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Easy Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe (Cheesy & Hearty)

Easy Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers baked in a dish

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Classic Italian-style stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground meat, tender rice, tomatoes, and herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a satisfying all-in-one meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 15.5 ounces diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped (for garnish, optional))

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse under cold water and set aside.

3. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

4. Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Cook the meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

6. Combine ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.

7. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling into the prepared bell peppers, packing it down gently.

8. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

9. Add cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the peppers with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

You can prep these stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Swap ground beef with turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.