Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef is one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your plate. This recipe showcases vibrant bell peppers stuffed with a gorgeously seasoned mixture of ground beef, melty cheese, and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef will quickly become your go-to for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in food form.

Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in making this dish truly shine. From the colorful bell peppers that cradle the filling to the blend of spices and cheese that infuse every bite with irresistible flavor, you’ll see how simple elements come together in a magical way.

Bell peppers (4-6): These vibrant veggies provide a natural bowl for the filling and add a sweet crunch.
Medium onion (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Jalapeno pepper (1, optional): For those who love a bit of heat, this brings a lively kick without overpowering.
Garlic cloves (5, chopped): Garlic’s unmistakable aroma and flavor elevate the entire dish.
Chopped bell pepper tops: They don’t go to waste — added to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
Red pepper flakes (for garnish): A little sprinkle adds a touch of spiciness and visual appeal.
Ground beef (1 lb / 450g): The star protein offering richness and heartiness.
Shredded cheese (1 cup): Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for that gooey, cheesy goodness; pepperjack recommended for extra spice.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps in sautéing and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Fire roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds smoky sweetness and moisture to the filling.
Paprika (1 tbsp): This spice lends warmth and beautiful color.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Infuses an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
Dried basil (1 tsp): Adds a sweet and slightly peppery note.
Salt and pepper: To taste, bringing out all the flavors perfectly.
Cooked rice (1 cup): Provides a tender, fluffy base that rounds out the filling nicely.

How to Make Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef

Step 1: Prep Those Peppers

Start by washing your bell peppers. Slice off the tops, set those aside for chopping, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This creates the perfect little cups that will soon be bursting with cheesy, meaty goodness. Keeping them upright helps when filling later.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, jalapeno (if using), garlic, and chopped pepper tops. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks evenly until no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation of flavor your Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef will lean on.

Step 3: Spice It Up and Simmer

Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Pour in the canned fire roasted tomatoes and let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully while the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese and Rice

Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the cooked rice and shredded cheese. The cheese melts into the hot filling, binding everything together with its creamy texture, while the rice gives it a filling, satisfying bite. This mixture is your Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef filling in all its glory.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake

Generously spoon the filling into each hollowed bell pepper. Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes so the tops brown slightly, offering a pleasing contrast of tender and crispy textures.

How to Serve Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds a pop of green but also a light, refreshing finish that balances the richness of the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes can amp up the heat if you like things spicy and adds a lovely speckled look.

Side Dishes

Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or creamy mashed potatoes. For something lighter, roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw offer beautiful textures and flavors that complement the stuffed peppers brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve each pepper nestled in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side. You can also scoop the filling out and layer it with pepper rings in a casserole dish for an easy, crowd-pleasing twist on this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the next-day bite extra comforting.

Freezing

This dish freezes fabulously. Wrap each stuffed pepper individually or place them all in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the peppers in a baking dish covered with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave singles servings but baking helps retain that lovely roasted texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives. Just watch the cooking time slightly and consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, lentils, or your favorite meat substitute. Using vegetable broth and extra seasoning can help keep the filling flavorful.

What type of cheese works best?

Pepperjack is our top recommendation because it melts beautifully and adds a little spice, but cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend all work wonderfully based on your preference.

Can I prepare the peppers in advance?

Definitely. You can stuff the peppers and keep them covered in the refrigerator up to a day before baking. This makes for an easy, stress-free mealtime solution.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level can easily be adjusted; omitting the jalapeno and red pepper flakes results in a mild dish, while including them adds a nice, manageable kick without being overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef is such a delight to prepare and eat, combining fresh veggies, savory meat, and melty cheese into a meal that feels thoughtfully homemade and endlessly satisfying. Give this recipe a try soon, and you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in any kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

A flavorful and hearty recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, cheese, rice, and aromatic spices, perfect as a comforting family meal that balances protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4–6 bell peppers (any color – green, yellow, red, orange)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spicy)
5 cloves garlic, chopped
Chopped tops of bell peppers (from cutting off the tops)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Protein & Dairy

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, tofu, or similar)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend; pepperjack recommended)

Pantry Items & Spices

1 tablespoon olive oil
14.5 ounces canned fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Grains

1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)

Instructions

Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set aside the chopped tops for later use.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, jalapeno (if using), garlic, and chopped pepper tops. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in canned fire roasted tomatoes, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Mix in Rice and Cheese: Fold cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each hollowed bell pepper until full.
Bake the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Add Remaining Cheese and Garnish: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and presentation. Serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, or a plant-based alternative like tofu for variation.
Use any color of bell peppers according to your preference or availability.
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, omit meat and use tofu or plant-based protein and opt for vegan cheese.
Adjust the level of heat by including or omitting the jalapeno pepper and red pepper flakes.
Cook rice in advance or use leftover rice to speed up preparation time.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the canned tomatoes and spices have no added gluten-containing ingredients.