Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Name: Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 cup shredded cheese

Author: Tessa

Published: August 13, 2025

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I’ll never forget the first time I made these easy classic stuffed peppers – they became an instant family favorite! There’s something magical about how simple ingredients transform into such a hearty, comforting meal. This recipe is my go-to when I need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes these stuffed peppers special is how effortlessly they come together. Just brown some beef, mix it with rice and spices, stuff those beautiful bell peppers, and let the oven work its magic. In less than an hour, you’ve got a complete meal that looks impressive but couldn’t be simpler to make. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking it until the flavors balanced just right.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, these stuffed peppers always hit the spot. They’re the kind of meal that feels homemade in the best way – the kind your family will ask for again and again.

Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

These stuffed peppers have been my weeknight dinner lifesaver more times than I can count! Here’s why they’re absolutely amazing:

Weeknight magic: From fridge to table in under an hour – perfect when you’re tired but still want something homemade.
Flavor explosion: That combo of savory beef, sweet peppers, and melty cheese? Pure comfort food heaven!
Easy peasy: No fancy techniques – just simple steps anyone can follow (even if you’re not much of a cook).
Family pleaser: My picky kids actually eat their veggies when they come stuffed with this delicious filling!
Meal prep dream: They reheat beautifully for lunches – the flavors actually get better the next day.

Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation too!

Ingredients for Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious stuffed peppers – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have in your kitchen!

4 large bell peppers (any color you like – I love using a mix of red, yellow and green for a pretty presentation)
1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best – gives great flavor without being too greasy)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown both work – I usually use whatever leftover rice I have)
1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup – yellow or white onions are perfect here)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon of the pre-minced stuff if you’re in a hurry)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (plain is fine, but sometimes I use the Italian seasoned kind for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt – it seasons more evenly)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you can!)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (rub it between your fingers before adding to wake up the flavor)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend – whatever melts well and you like!)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, simple ingredients that come together to make something really special. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious stuffed peppers! I’ll walk you through each step so they turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

First things first – grab your bell peppers and give them a good rinse. Now, carefully slice off the tops – about half an inch down – and set them aside (you can chop them up and add them to the filling later if you want). Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes inside. Don’t worry if it feels a little messy – just make sure you get it all out so your peppers are ready to stuff. To help them stand upright in the baking dish, I like to trim a tiny bit off the bottom if they’re wobbly. Works like a charm!

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns – you want it to be crumbly, not chunky. Once the beef is almost cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Keep stirring until the onions are soft and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease if needed – I usually tilt the pan and use a paper towel to soak it up. This keeps the filling from being too greasy.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Peppers

Now, take your beef mixture and stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Spoon the filling into your prepared peppers, packing it in gently but not too tightly. I like to use a small spoon or my hands to make sure it’s evenly distributed. If you have extra filling, just tuck it around the peppers in the baking dish – it’ll bake up deliciously!

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the tops of the peppers. Pop them into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender (a fork should easily pierce through) and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving – trust me, they’re worth the wait!

Tips for Perfect Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

After making these stuffed peppers dozens of times, I’ve picked up some great tricks to make them even better! Here are my favorite tips:

Pick your peppers wisely: Look for ones that stand up straight – they’ll hold the filling better. I love using different colors for a pretty presentation!
Make them your own: Swap the beef for ground turkey or black beans if you want a lighter version. Both work beautifully.
Extra veggies FTW: Try adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the filling – it’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients.
Pre-bake for crispness: If you like your peppers firmer, bake them empty for 10 minutes before stuffing.
Broil at the end: For extra melty cheese, pop them under the broiler for the last minute.

These little tweaks can take your stuffed peppers from good to absolutely amazing!

Variations for Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years that always get rave reviews:

Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken work great if you want something lighter. For a vegetarian version, black beans or lentils add amazing texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the filling for some heat. Smoked paprika gives a wonderful depth too.
Herb variations: Try fresh basil instead of oregano, or mix in some chopped parsley for brightness.
Cheese choices: Feta crumbles or goat cheese make a tasty change from shredded cheese.
Grain alternatives: Quinoa or couscous can stand in for rice – perfect if you’re looking for something different.

The possibilities are endless – have fun experimenting with your own favorite flavors!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

These stuffed peppers make a complete meal on their own, but I love rounding them out with a couple simple sides! My go-tos are a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette and warm garlic bread for soaking up all the delicious juices. On busy nights, just some crusty bread and butter does the trick. For heartier appetites, roasted potatoes or a simple pasta salad make perfect partners. Really, anything you’d serve with your favorite comfort food works beautifully here!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Here’s how I keep my leftover stuffed peppers tasting just as good as when they first came out of the oven! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I prefer the oven (350°F for 15-20 minutes) because it keeps the peppers from getting soggy, but the microwave works in a pinch – just cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. The cheese will get all melty again and they’ll taste almost fresh-baked!

Nutritional Information for Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious stuffed pepper (based on my standard recipe): About 380 calories, 25g protein, 28g carbs (4g fiber), and 18g fat per serving. They’ve got 850mg sodium and 6g natural sugars from the peppers and tomato sauce. Of course, these numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients – like if you use leaner beef or different cheese. I always say it’s better to focus on how good these taste and how they make you feel than to stress over numbers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

I’ve gotten so many questions about these stuffed peppers over the years – here are the ones people ask me most often!

Can I use uncooked rice in stuffed peppers?
Oh honey, I learned this the hard way! Always use cooked rice – uncooked rice won’t absorb enough liquid and you’ll end up with crunchy bits in your filling. If you’re in a pinch, minute rice works fine too.

How long do leftover stuffed peppers last?
They keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight – sometimes I think they taste even better the next day!

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking (without cheese), then thaw overnight in the fridge before topping with cheese and baking. They’ll keep for 2-3 months frozen.

Why are my peppers still crunchy after baking?
This usually means your oven wasn’t hot enough or you didn’t bake them long enough. Next time, try pre-baking the empty peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing – makes them perfectly tender!

Share Your Thoughts on This Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

I’d love to hear how your stuffed peppers turned out! Did you try any fun variations? Maybe your family loved them as much as mine does? Drop me a comment below with your experience – I read every single one. And if you enjoyed this recipe, please consider sharing it with your friends or giving it a rating. Happy cooking!