Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that has stood the test of time. With their combination of hearty ground meat, rice, and savory seasonings, all tucked into colorful, tender peppers, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. This old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, but we’ll start with the traditional version that has been loved for generations.
1. Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. You can also trim the bottoms slightly if you need to level them, but be careful not to cut through to the inside.
Blanch the peppers (optional): For softer peppers, you can blanch them. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and boil the peppers for 3-5 minutes. Remove them from the water and let them drain upside down on a paper towel. This step is optional, but it helps soften the peppers before baking.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Fill the peppers: Place the prepared bell peppers in a baking dish (you may need to use an 8×8 or 9×13-inch dish depending on the size of your peppers). Fill each pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, packing it down lightly.
Add cheese topping: Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender, and the filling is heated through. If you’ve added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish and serve: Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
2. Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers
Blanch the Peppers for Softer Texture: If you prefer softer bell peppers, consider blanching them for a few minutes before stuffing. This helps them cook more evenly in the oven.
Use Leftover Rice: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice. You can also use other grains like quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great option for meal prep or hosting.
Cheese for Extra Flavor: Adding cheese to the top of the stuffed peppers is optional but highly recommended for a richer, more indulgent dish. You can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even feta.
3. Variations on Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Peppers
- Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning.
- Add black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes to the filling.
- Top with cheddar cheese and serve with sour cream and salsa.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
- Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
- Use extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a hearty, plant-based filling.
Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers
- Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or leave out the grains altogether for a low-carb version.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
4. Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: Serve your stuffed peppers with a light, fresh salad to balance out the meal.
Garlic Bread: A slice of crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
5. Leftovers and Storage
Storing: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
This old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe is a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce stuffed into tender bell peppers is a classic you’ll come back to again and again.
