There’s something wonderfully comforting about stuffed peppers fresh out of the oven. They bubble up with flavor, the tops slightly caramelized and the insides bursting with juicy filling. This Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers recipe delivers everything you love about a wholesome meal: tender bell peppers, a flavorful protein-rich filling, and a cheesy, satisfying finish that makes it an instant weeknight winner.

Stuffed peppers are one of those dishes that look impressive but are secretly simple to make. They’re endlessly adaptable too, meaning you can tweak them with what’s in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping ahead for the week, these stuffed peppers are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers Recipe

This dish combines health, comfort, and convenience all in one. The bell peppers soften in the oven to a perfect texture that holds their shape but yields to your fork. The filling is hearty without being heavy, and the melted cheese on top pulls everything together. They reheat beautifully and make a complete meal with minimal fuss.

You can also make them your own by switching up the protein, grains, or cheese. Vegetarian? Swap in lentils or mushrooms. Watching carbs? Try cauliflower rice. This is a base recipe you can riff on forever.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are all great choices for their natural sweetness and color. Green bell peppers tend to be slightly more bitter but are still delicious if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. Look for peppers that stand upright on their own, with flat bottoms and firm, unwrinkled skin.

Ingredients for the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Name: Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 large bell peppers; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Stuffed peppers are a humble yet flavorful recipe where every ingredient earns its spot. Each component brings texture, moisture, or richness, and together they create a well-rounded dish that works for dinner, meal prep, or even a casual gathering.

Bell peppers
Ground beef
Cooked rice
Onion
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Mozzarella cheese
Olive oil

How To Make the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Slice the tops off each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Rub them lightly with olive oil and place them cut side up in a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Fill the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper cavity, pressing down slightly so they’re fully packed. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve

Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious hot, but also just as good reheated the next day.

Serving and Storing Your Stuffed Peppers

These Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers serve about 4 to 6 people, depending on how hungry your crew is and how big your peppers are. Pair one or two with a simple side salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a well-rounded plate.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They also freeze well—wrap each individually and store for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers?

Fresh Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stuffed peppers.

Garlic Bread

Warm, toasty garlic bread is always a welcome companion, soaking up any extra sauce from your plate.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted zucchini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a colorful and nutrient-packed side.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Velvety mashed potatoes pair well with the savory stuffing and give the meal a comfort food vibe.

Tomato Basil Soup

A bowl of warm tomato soup adds even more coziness to the plate.

Baked Mac and Cheese

A small scoop of creamy mac and cheese makes this a kid-friendly combo that still satisfies adults.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

In the summer, grilled corn is a juicy and charred side that plays well with the stuffed peppers.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed these Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers, there are plenty of other hearty meals to keep your evenings flavorful:

Try this cozy Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a meatless night.
For rich and cheesy comfort, make the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
These Herby Chicken Meatball Bowls are great for healthy meal prep.
Craving soup? This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a must.
Want something quick and bold? Go with One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it when the craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you use quinoa instead of rice? Did you sneak in some spinach or top with pepper jack cheese? I’m always curious how you twist these classics into something uniquely yours.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dinner idea!

Conclusion

Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are a classic that never disappoints. They’re the kind of dinner that brings the family together without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you follow this recipe to the letter or switch things up with your own spin, the result will be delicious, nourishing, and totally satisfying.