Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers

There’s something undeniably comforting about a old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe. It’s the kind of hearty, homemade dish that brings warmth to your table with every bite. If you love old fashioned cooking methods that deliver rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Picture tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, all baked to perfection under a melty layer of cheese. Sounds irresistible, right? Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, these oven-baked stuffed peppers are both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

The best part? This traditional comfort food is as versatile as it is delicious. You can tweak the filling to suit your tastes, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Ready to bring a little old fashioned magic to your kitchen? Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something about a classic stuffed bell peppers recipe that instantly feels comforting. The savory ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce are wrapped in a tender, oven-baked bell pepper, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of dish that takes you back to simpler times when homemade comfort food was always at the center of family meals.

Here’s why this recipe is sure to become a favorite:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients. With just a few basic items like bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and cheese, you’ll create a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
  
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making dinner for your family or preparing a meal to share with friends, these baked stuffed bell peppers are always a hit. They’re an easy way to serve up a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
  
• Customizable to Your Taste: This recipe is incredibly flexible. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or a vegetarian alternative like quinoa. You can even experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor profile.
  
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Want to save time on busy days? You can prep these stuffed peppers in advance. Assemble them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later.
  

From the rich, cheesy topping to the perfectly cooked rice and meat filling, this recipe is the kind of hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

To make this old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Don’t worry these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you can even customize them to suit your preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green whatever you prefer)
• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey, sausage, or a vegetarian substitute like quinoa)
• 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or marinara sauce for a richer flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

This combination of savory ground beef, fragrant garlic and onions, and seasoned rice makes for a delicious and filling stuffing. The cheese on top adds a golden, melted finish that’s impossible to resist. And don’t forget the tomato sauce, which ties everything together with a rich, tangy kick.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking whether you prefer a bit more heat with red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika for extra depth. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easily adaptable to your tastes, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.

Directions

Creating these old fashioned stuffed bell peppers is a fun and easy process that will reward you with a hearty and flavorful meal. Follow these steps to make sure you get the perfect stuffed peppers every time:

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
   Begin by slicing off the tops of the bell peppers. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a small portion from the bottom to help the peppers stand upright during cooking. Set the peppers aside and get ready to fill them.
2. Cook the Filling
   In a large skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until soft and aromatic. Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
3. Combine the Rice and Sauce
   Once the meat is cooked, stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors. Taste the filling, and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of garlic powder.
4. Stuff the Peppers
   Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, making sure to pack the filling in tightly. If there’s any leftover filling, you can add it around the peppers in the baking dish. Once filled, place the peppers upright in the dish.
5. Add Cheese
   Top each stuffed pepper with a generous helping of shredded cheese. This will melt and bubble into a beautiful golden layer on top of your peppers.
6. Bake the Peppers
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and lightly browned.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these comforting stuffed bell peppers on their own, or pair them with a side salad or steamed veggies for a full meal.

This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also flexible enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. Whether you choose to stuff your peppers with ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian filling, the result will always be a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Expert Tips and Variations

When it comes to old fashioned stuffed bell peppers, there are plenty of ways to make the recipe your own. Whether you want to adjust the flavors or make it fit specific dietary needs, these expert tips and variations will help you get the most out of this dish.

1. Customize the Filling

You don’t have to stick to the classic ground beef and rice. Here are some filling ideas to suit different tastes:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, swap the beef for turkey or chicken. These options still provide a hearty, flavorful filling.
• Vegetarian Version: Try using a mixture of black beans, quinoa, and corn for a plant-based version. Add in some diced tomatoes and season with cumin and chili powder for a southwestern twist.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan into your filling for an even cheesier experience.

2. Add More Veggies

Stuffed peppers are a great way to pack in more vegetables. You can:

• Dice up zucchini, carrots, or spinach and stir them into the filling.
• Add chopped mushrooms to the beef mixture for an earthy flavor that complements the peppers beautifully.
• Top with extra sautéed vegetables before baking for a vibrant touch.

3. Seasoning Tips

Seasonings are key to making this dish stand out. Here are some tips:

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
• If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some spicy kick.
• Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can be chopped and added to the filling before baking for a fresh, aromatic finish.

4. Make It a One-Pan Meal

To make cleanup easier, try roasting the peppers and serving them directly from the baking dish. You can even add your favorite side vegetables to the same pan, such as broccoli or roasted potatoes, and bake them together. This turns the dish into a complete, no-fuss meal.

5. Prepare in Advance

Stuffed bell peppers are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time:

• Refrigerate: Prepare the peppers and stuff them, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze: Stuffed peppers also freeze well. Simply prepare the recipe, freeze them individually, and bake directly from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.

These simple tips and variations allow you to adapt the recipe to fit your tastes, making it as unique as you are. Whether you stick to the traditional version or try something new, you can be sure that these stuffed bell peppers will be a hit at your next meal.

Serving Suggestions

These old fashioned stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways to create a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dish:

1. Pair with a Simple Salad

A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect side to balance the rich flavors of the stuffed peppers. Try a classic garden salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, or opt for something heartier like a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a creamy dressing. The bright flavors will complement the savory stuffed peppers beautifully.

2. Serve with Roasted Vegetables

If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, serve your stuffed peppers with a side of roasted vegetables. Roasting carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, or zucchini brings out their natural sweetness and makes them the ideal accompaniment to the savory stuffed peppers.

3. Enjoy with Garlic Bread

A warm slice of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. The buttery, garlicky flavors pair wonderfully with the stuffed peppers and add an extra layer of comfort to your meal. It’s also great for mopping up any leftover sauce from the peppers.

4. Top with Fresh Herbs or Sour Cream

For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle your stuffed peppers with fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil right before serving. These herbs will brighten up the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of Greek yogurt to bring a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory filling.

5. Serve with Rice or Quinoa

If you’d like to bulk up your meal a little more, serve your stuffed peppers with a side of rice or quinoa. The grains will help soak up the sauce and provide additional texture to the dish. A simple fluffy white rice or a nutty brown rice would work beautifully, or you could go for quinoa for a protein-packed option.

These stuffed peppers are the star of the show, but with the right side dishes, you can turn your meal into something truly special. Whether you keep it simple with a salad or elevate it with roasted vegetables, these serving suggestions offer something for every taste and occasion.

FAQs

If you’re making old fashioned stuffed bell peppers for the first time, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry. Here are some of the most common questions about this classic dish, along with tips to help you get the best results.

These are just a few of the common questions when it comes to making stuffed bell peppers. Hopefully, they help clear up any confusion and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out.

Recipe Card

Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers

OLIVIA

Enjoy a hearty Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with tender peppers, savory beef, and rice. A classic comfort dish that's easy and delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 5

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Bell Peppers: Begin by slicing off the tops of the bell peppers. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a small portion from the bottom to help the peppers stand upright during cooking. Set the peppers aside and get ready to fill them.
• Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until soft and aromatic. Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
• Combine the Rice and Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors. Taste the filling, and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of garlic powder.
• Stuff the Peppers :Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, making sure to pack the filling in tightly. If there’s any leftover filling, you can add it around the peppers in the baking dish. Once filled, place the peppers upright in the dish.
• Add Cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with a generous helping of shredded cheese. This will melt and bubble into a beautiful golden layer on top of your peppers.
• Bake the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and lightly browned.
• Serve and Enjoy: Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these comforting stuffed bell peppers on their own, or pair them with a side salad or steamed veggies for a full meal.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 22g

Closing Notes

Thank you for exploring this old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe. I hope you find it as comforting and satisfying as I do. This dish brings together simple ingredients, like ground beef, rice, and fresh bell peppers, to create a hearty meal the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your personal tastes, whether you prefer it with a little spice or a vegetarian twist.

Stuffed bell peppers are not just delicious, they’re versatile too. You can swap ingredients, add your favorite vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to make it uniquely yours. Plus, this recipe works for meal prepping, making it great for busy weeks.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. So, feel free to make adjustments that work for you. And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your experience. I’d love to hear how it turns out and what variations you made. Happy cooking.

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