Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Discovering baked stuffed bell peppers felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in my grandmother's kitchen, where each colorful pepper was a little parcel of comfort and warmth I looked forward to all winter.

I still remember the first time unexpected guests arrived and I whipped up this dish in record time, earning enthusiastic compliments that made me promise to keep it in my recipe rotation forever.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers: I always choose large, firm ones—any color works and adds a fun rainbow on the plate
• Ground meat: Lean ground beef or turkey works great, but you can swap for plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian twist
• Rice: Cooked white or brown rice adds excellent texture and stretches the filling deliciously
• Canned diced tomatoes: Drained to keep the filling just the right consistency without becoming soggy
• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Shredded and mixed in for creamy, melty goodness plus extra on top for a golden crust
• Herbs and spices: Oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper blend into a cozy Mediterranean vibe
• Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness to the filling

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish that can hold the peppers upright like little boats ready to sail.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Warm olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers, then add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and let the fragrance fill your kitchen for another minute.

Brown the Meat:

Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Listen for the sizzling and watch the color deepen over 6 to 8 minutes—drain any excess fat to keep things balanced.

Build the Flavor:

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer and meld for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Mingle the Cheese and Parsley:

Fold shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley into the mixture. Taste and tweak seasoning—the filling should be rich and bursting with flavor.

Prepare the Peppers:

Stand the hollowed bell peppers upright in your baking dish. Gently spoon the hearty filling into each one, pressing down lightly to pack them full.

Add the Finishing Touch:

Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for that irresistible golden crust. Add about 1/3 cup of water to the baking dish bottom to create steamy magic while baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil to let the cheese brown and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.

Garnish and Serve:

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve these vibrant peppers as a main event or crowd-pleasing side.

Pin Recipe

This dish became more than just food one chilly evening when friends gathered around the table, sharing laughter and stories while peeling the warm peppers—all of us savoring a meal that felt like a cozy hug.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftover stuffed peppers reheat beautifully—just cover them with foil to maintain moisture, and warm in a 180°C oven until heated through, so you can enjoy the comfort all week long.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

A crisp side salad or a slice of crusty bread pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness and making the meal feel balanced and complete without fuss.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, running late for a get-together, I threw this together with whatever I had on hand—and the rave reviews convinced me this would be my go-to last-minute showstopper.

• Don't forget to keep some extra cheese handy for topping while baking
• Use fresh herbs when possible, but dried spices save the day in a pinch
• Always taste and adjust seasoning before stuffing the peppers for best results

Pin Recipe

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this kitchen moment—may your next batch of stuffed peppers bring warmth and smiles to your table as it did to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bell peppers work best for stuffing?

Large, firm bell peppers in any color are ideal as they hold the filling well and maintain shape during baking.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replacing ground meat with cooked lentils or plant-based alternatives provides a satisfying vegetarian option.

→ How do I ensure the peppers cook evenly?

Adding a small amount of water to the baking dish and covering with foil creates steam that helps cook the peppers uniformly.

→ What cheeses are used in the filling?

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add creaminess and a savory, slightly nutty flavor to the filling and topping.

→ Can I use different grains in the filling?

Yes, brown rice, quinoa, or other cooked grains can be substituted to add texture and fiber.

→ How long does it take to prepare and cook?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes and baking 45 minutes, making a total time of just over an hour.