The Ultimate Guide to Making Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

There is something inherently comforting and deeply satisfying about a perfectly baked stuffed bell pepper. It’s a complete meal wrapped up in a vibrant, edible package. While many recipes for this classic dish exist, often they are overly complicated or time-consuming. We believe weeknight comfort food should be exactly that: comforting and easy! That’s why we’ve perfected this recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, designed to minimize fuss while maximizing flavor.

This recipe combines tender bell peppers, a savory ground meat filling (you can use beef or turkey!), fluffy rice, and a rich, tomato-based sauce, all topped with gooey, melted cheese. It’s a hearty, balanced dish that appeals to the whole family. Whether you are an experienced home cook or just starting out, this foolproof method ensures success every time. Forget the days of dry peppers or bland filling get ready for the best batch of baked stuffed peppers you’ve ever made. The robust flavors of Italian seasoning and rich crushed tomatoes truly elevate this simple recipe into a spectacular culinary experience. Let’s dive into how you can make these incredible Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers your new go-to dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

The culinary landscape is flooded with dinner options, so what makes this recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers stand out? Simply put, it’s the perfect convergence of simplicity, nutrition, and incredible flavor, tailored for the busy modern kitchen. You will find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or preparing a hearty dish for guests.

Unbeatable Convenience and Simplicity

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. This recipe is structured for maximum efficiency. By utilizing pre-cooked rice and common pantry staples like canned crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, the active preparation time is drastically reduced. We brown the meat and create the filling base simultaneously, ensuring seamless flow from stovetop to oven. The inclusion of a robust flavor profile thanks to garlic, onion, and a touch of Worcestershire means you don’t need hours of simmering to develop deep, satisfying taste. It’s truly the epitome of an Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers dish.

A Complete Meal in One Package

One of the greatest advantages of stuffed peppers is that they are inherently a perfectly portioned, complete meal. Each pepper delivers protein (from the ground meat), carbohydrates (from the rice), and essential vitamins and fiber (from the bell pepper shell). This means less fuss worrying about side dishes. Serve these delicious baked stuffed peppers with a simple side salad, and dinner is done! This self-contained structure also makes cleanup incredibly simple, as most of the mess is contained within the baking dish.

High Versatility and Customization

This base recipe acts as an excellent canvas for customization. Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Prefer a smoky flavor? Swap the mozzarella for smoked gouda. This adaptability is key for avoiding dinner fatigue. You can also easily swap the protein using ground turkey makes it lighter, while ground sausage adds a richer, spicier depth. This flexibility ensures that the core recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers remains exciting and tailored to your family’s evolving tastes.

Excellent for Meal Prep

For those who meal prep, these simple stuffed peppers are a dream come true. They hold up exceptionally well, both unbaked and baked. You can prepare the filling entirely ahead of time, stuff the peppers, and store them in the fridge, ready to bake when you get home. Furthermore, leftovers reheat beautifully, making them perfect for lunch the next day. They retain their shape and moisture, making them far superior to many other leftover meals. The rich tomato sauce base ensures the peppers stay moist and tender, even after a second heating.

Why You Should Try These Simple Stuffed Peppers Tonight

If you’ve never ventured into the world of stuffed peppers, tonight is the night to start. This recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of wholesome, comforting, homemade food that outshines any takeout option. When you choose to make these baked stuffed peppers, you are choosing quality ingredients and vibrant, fresh flavors that your family will genuinely appreciate.

The Perfect Marriage of Textures

A successful stuffed pepper is all about balance. This recipe achieves culinary perfection by contrasting textures: the outer shell of the bell pepper becomes wonderfully tender and slightly sweet after baking, offering a gentle resistance. Inside, the filling is a hearty blend of chewy rice and succulent, well-seasoned ground meat. Finally, the cheesy topping provides a golden, stretchy blanket of flavor. This combination of tender, hearty, and creamy ensures every bite is interesting and satisfying.

Boosting Vegetable Intake

Bell peppers are nutritional powerhouses, particularly red, orange, and yellow varieties, which are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Using the pepper as the vessel for the meal is a smart way to sneak in extra vegetables, especially for picky eaters. Baking the pepper softens it beautifully, enhancing its natural sweetness, which balances the savory filling perfectly. Making these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is an effortless way to make your weeknight dinner more vibrant and nutrient-dense.

Affordable and Economical

Stuffed peppers are an incredibly budget-friendly dish. The main components bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and canned tomatoes are inexpensive and commonly purchased in bulk. This recipe is designed to stretch a pound of meat far, thanks to the addition of cooked rice, which provides volume and substance without significantly increasing the cost. For families looking to serve a hearty, delicious meal without breaking the bank, these simple stuffed peppers are a fantastic solution.

A Meal That Brings People Together

There’s something visually appealing and festive about bringing a baking dish filled with colorful, cheesy stuffed peppers to the table. It looks impressive, yet the preparation is surprisingly simple. This dish signals comfort and care, making it ideal for Sunday dinner or a casual gathering. Furthermore, the active participation in the stuffing process can even be a fun activity to involve children in the kitchen. For more family-friendly comfort food ideas, check out this great recipe for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe, which pairs perfectly with the side of these peppers!

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools for Baked Stuffed Peppers

Success in creating these flavorful Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers starts with organizing your workspace and ensuring you have high-quality, fresh ingredients. Below is a detailed breakdown of everything you need, emphasizing the role each component plays in achieving the ultimate flavor profile.

The Ingredients Breakdown: Precision and Flavor

Using the right quantities of the following ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfectly balanced, savory filling and tender pepper shell.

For the Bell Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or green): While any color works, red peppers offer the most sweetness, green peppers offer a classic, slightly bitter contrast. Ensure they are firm and able to stand upright in the baking dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly coat the peppers before baking. This helps tenderize the skin and prevents them from drying out in the oven.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the peppers themselves, ensuring they aren’t bland when baked.

For the Filling

The filling is the heart of this recipe, combining protein, starch, and aromatic vegetables for a rich, hearty core.

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey: The protein base. Ground beef offers a richer flavor, while ground turkey is a lighter, leaner option. Ensure it’s fully drained after browning.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides essential sweetness and aromatic depth to the savory base. Chopping it finely ensures it softens completely and integrates seamlessly into the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A cornerstone of Italian-American cooking. Garlic must be added after the onions to prevent scorching.
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (divided): This is key! We divide the tomatoes half goes into the filling for moisture and flavor, and the other half forms the baking sauce that keeps the peppers tender.
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice: Long-grain rice adds texture without making the filling gummy. Pro Tip: Cook the rice slightly firmer than usual, as it will absorb more liquid and soften further during the baking process. Using pre-cooked rice is what makes this an Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme that provides the signature Mediterranean flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional): Highly recommended! This adds a subtle umami depth that elevates the meat flavor, making the filling taste richer and more complex.
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water: This liquid is combined with the reserved crushed tomatoes to create the moist baking environment at the bottom of the dish. Broth adds more depth than water.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Remember to season generously at every stage, especially the meat mixture after draining the fat.

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Mozzarella offers the classic, stretchy pull, while cheddar adds a sharper, saltier kick. A blend works beautifully too!

Essential Kitchen Utensils for Stuffed Bell Peppers Success

While this is an easy recipe, having the right tools makes the process even smoother, ensuring your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers come out perfectly baked and beautifully presented.

• 9×13 inch baking dish: This standard size is perfect for holding four large peppers snugly. The close proximity helps the peppers steam evenly.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Necessary for browning the meat and building the filling base. A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and prevents scorching.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for neatly slicing the bell pepper tops and finely chopping the onion.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is important, especially when measuring liquids and seasoning (like the Italian seasoning and broth).
• Colander: Used for draining the excess fat from the ground meat, a crucial step for a healthier, non-greasy filling.
• Large Mixing Spoon/Spatula: For stirring the meat mixture and later, for stuffing the peppers.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during the initial bake, creating steam that tenderizes the peppers without drying them out.
• Small Spoon or Melon Baller (optional but helpful): Great for scooping out the seeds and white membranes from the inside of the peppers for a clean cavity.

Having these tools ready will ensure you transition seamlessly from prep to stuffing to baking, resulting in a phenomenal dish of baked stuffed peppers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are moist, flavorful, and cooked to absolute perfection. We break down the process into easy, manageable stages.

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers and the Oven

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease ensures no tomato sauce or cheese sticks to the bottom.
2. Prep the Peppers: Wash and dry the bell peppers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the tops of the peppers (the stem end). Tip: Keep these tops! They act as perfect “lids” during the baking process to help trap moisture.
3. Hollow Out: Use a small spoon or your fingers to scoop out and remove all the seeds and white membranes from inside the peppers, creating a hollow cavity. Ensure the cavity is clean, as the membranes can taste slightly bitter.
4. Seasoning the Shell: Lightly rub the inside and outside of the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This step is often overlooked but critical for flavor. Place the peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Crafting the Flavorful Filling (The Core of Simple Stuffed Peppers)

This is where the magic happens creating the rich, savory filling that defines these delicious baked stuffed peppers.

5. Cook the Ground Meat: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
6. Drain the Fat: Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet and discard it. Draining the fat is essential to prevent the final filling from being greasy or excessively heavy.
7. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent. They should be fragrant, signaling they are ready for the next step.
8. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Watch carefully to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn, which can quickly turn bitter.
9. Build the Tomato Base: Pour approximately half of the can of crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture (reserving the remaining half for the baking sauce later).
10. Season and Simmer: Stir in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to truly meld. Taste and adjust seasoning here this is your last chance!
11. Fold in the Rice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the 1 cup of cooked rice until it is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. This is the finished stuffing.

Step 3: Stuffing and Preparing for Baking

Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers.

12. Stuff the Peppers: Using a large spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper with the prepared stuffing mixture. Pack the stuffing firmly but ensure you do not overflow the peppers. It should be snug, not towering.
13. Prepare the Baking Liquid: In the corner or around the stuffed peppers in the baking dish, pour the remaining half of the crushed tomatoes and the 1/2 cup of beef broth or water. This liquid is your secret weapon! It creates steam that ensures the peppers soften beautifully and keeps the bottom of the filling moist.
14. Cover: If desired, place the reserved bell pepper tops back onto the stuffed peppers like lids. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step guarantees a tender pepper shell.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

The final stage brings everything together with a gooey, cheesy flourish.

15. Initial Bake: Place the covered dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bell peppers are fork-tender. Check the tenderness by gently poking a pepper with a fork.
16. Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Remove the pepper tops (if used). Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
17. Final Bake: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
18. Rest and Serve: Let the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burns from the extremely hot pepper shells.

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations

Part of the joy of making these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is how easily they adapt to dietary needs, seasonal produce, and personal flavor preferences. Here are some ways to customize and perfect your recipe.

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Options

Need to cater to a different diet or just looking to switch things up? These variations keep the stuffed pepper experience fresh and exciting.

• Go Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap the ground meat for 1 can of drained black beans combined with 1 cup of crumbled plant-based ground (such as Impossible or Beyond Meat), or simply use 2 cups of cooked lentils and mushrooms. Skip the beef broth; use vegetable broth instead. For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free shredded cheese substitute for the topping.
• Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your beef broth is GF certified (most are, but always check). The use of rice instead of breadcrumbs already makes this a great gluten-free dinner option.
• Try Different Grains: Instead of white rice, try substituting quinoa, brown rice, or even farro for a chewier texture and higher fiber content. Just remember to adjust the liquid content slightly, as brown rice and farro absorb more liquid than white rice.
• Spicy Southwest Flavor: Replace the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Add 1/2 cup drained corn and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to the filling for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Alternative Cheese Toppings: If mozzarella or cheddar isn’t available, try Parmesan, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For a tangy twist, a small dollop of goat cheese added before the final bake is delicious.

Advice to Avoid Common Stuffed Pepper Mistakes

Even though this is an Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe, a few common pitfalls can trip up cooks. Follow these tips to ensure optimal results:

Mistake 1: Soggy Peppers.

If your peppers turn out too watery or mushy, you might have skipped the initial toss with olive oil and salt, or you might have added too much liquid to the bottom of the dish. Remember, we only need 1/2 cup of broth/water combined with the remaining crushed tomatoes. Also, ensure you drain the ground beef thoroughly.

Mistake 2: Dry Filling.

If the filling is crumbly and dry, you likely didn’t add enough of the crushed tomato reserve to the filling mixture in Step 3, or you overcooked the filling on the stovetop. The filling should be slightly moist when you stuff the peppers, knowing it will firm up during baking.

Mistake 3: Tough Peppers.

If the pepper shells are tough after the 45-minute bake, they may require more time, or they may have been too large or thick-walled. Always use aluminum foil for the initial bake; this covering is essential for steaming the peppers tender. If they are still firm, simply cover them again and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Meal Prep Tip: You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance. Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, stuff the peppers, add the sauce base, and proceed with the baking instructions. If the filling is cold, you may need to add 5–10 minutes to the total baking time.

For more great inspiration and visually stunning recipe ideas like these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, make sure to follow my dedicated Pinterest boards where I share daily culinary adventures: Visit Liana’s Recipe Boards on Pinterest.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Stuffed Bell Peppers

Beyond being delicious comfort food, these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a highly nutritious meal. They offer a fantastic balance of macronutrients and are loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Understanding the health benefits only makes this recipe more appealing for weeknight dinner rotations.

Macronutrient Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)

While exact nutritional values depend heavily on the type of ground meat used and the exact rice-to-meat ratio, an approximate breakdown for a serving (one pepper using lean ground beef and mozzarella) looks like this:

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories (depending on meat fat content).
• Protein: High, typically 25-30 grams. The ground meat provides complete protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
• Fats: 15-20 grams (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and meat, though this number drops significantly if ground turkey is used).
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams (primarily from the rice and the bell pepper itself).
• Fiber: About 5-7 grams (contributed by the bell pepper, rice, and tomatoes).

Benefits of the Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in these baked stuffed peppers plays a role in enhancing your nutritional intake:

Bell Peppers (The Vessel):

Bell peppers are remarkably rich in antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C. A single large red pepper can contain over 300% of your daily required Vitamin C intake. They also contain carotenoids, which support eye health and reduce inflammation. The act of baking the peppers (as done in this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe) slightly lowers the overall Vitamin C but makes certain other nutrients easier for the body to absorb.

Ground Meat (Protein Source):

Whether you choose ground beef or turkey, the protein provides sustained energy. Beef offers high levels of B vitamins (B12, niacin) and essential minerals like iron and zinc. Zinc is vital for immune function, and iron is necessary for oxygen transport. If opting for ground turkey, you reduce the saturated fat content while still receiving a healthy dose of lean protein.

Tomatoes (Lycopene and Fiber):

Canned crushed tomatoes are a fantastic source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to heart health benefits. Interestingly, cooking tomatoes (as we do when we simmer the filling and bake the sauce) actually makes the lycopene more bioavailable (easier to absorb) than eating raw tomatoes.

Rice and Fiber:

While we use white rice for simplicity, incorporating brown rice or wild rice significantly boosts the fiber content, which is crucial for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Even white rice provides energy and contributes to a feeling of fullness, making these simple stuffed peppers a truly satisfying meal.

For more recipes that perfectly blend health and comfort, like these nutrient-packed stuffed peppers, you might enjoy trying our creamy and heartwarming Creamy Lasagna Soup, a perfect counterpoint to the savory peppers.

FAQs about Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

We’ve gathered the most common questions related to making quick and delicious stuffed peppers to help you achieve perfect results every time. These answers cover common troubleshooting and variations for this classic baked dish.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

The beauty of the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe lies in its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. We’ve guided you through selecting vibrant peppers, creating a rich and savory meat and rice filling, and ensuring the final bake results in tender peppers surrounded by a delicious, aromatic tomato sauce. This dish is the epitome of comfort food wholesome, hearty, and universally loved.

By following our steps, especially the simple tricks like draining the fat thoroughly, incorporating the divided crushed tomatoes for both filling and baking sauce, and covering the dish during the initial bake, you ensure that every pepper is moist, the filling is perfectly seasoned, and the cheese topping is golden and irresistible. This recipe proves that exceptional home cooking doesn’t require hours of complexity; sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones.

Whether you made these simple stuffed peppers with ground beef for a richer taste or ground turkey for a lighter option, we hope this recipe has earned a permanent spot in your weeknight repertoire. It’s perfect for meal prepping, budget-friendly, and highly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. It truly transforms a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

We encourage you to try this recipe tonight! Once you taste the results, you’ll see why these baked stuffed peppers are such a beloved classic. Did you try a fun variation? Do you have a secret ingredient you added to the filling? We love hearing about your kitchen experiments! Please leave a comment below to share your experience, and don’t forget to share this recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with friends and family who need a delicious and simple dinner solution!

EASY STUFFED BELL PEPPERS (Beef and Rice)

A classic comfort food dish featuring tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and crushed tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella or cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Calories: 345

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Bell Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or green)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (divided)
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice (cooked according to package directions)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Wash and dry the bell peppers. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the tops of the peppers (the stem end). Do not discard the tops.
3. Use a small spoon or your fingers to scoop out and remove all the seeds and white membranes from inside the peppers, creating a hollow cavity.
4. Lightly rub the inside and outside of the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2 & 3: Cook the Ground Meat and Create the Filling Base

1. Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet and discard it.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour approximately half of the can of crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture (reserving the remaining half for the baking sauce later).
4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4 & 5: Combine, Stuff, and Prepare for Baking

1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the 1 cup of cooked rice until it is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. This is the finished stuffing.
2. Using a large spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper with the prepared stuffing mixture. Pack the stuffing firmly but do not overflow the peppers.
3. In the corner of the baking dish, pour the remaining half of the crushed tomatoes and the 1/2 cup of beef broth or water around the stuffed peppers. This liquid helps steam the peppers and keeps them from drying out during baking. If desired, place the reserved bell pepper tops back onto the stuffed peppers like lids.

Step 6 & 7: Bake and Finish

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
2. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bell peppers are fork-tender. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your peppers.
3. Remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Remove the pepper tops (if used). Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
4. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the stuffed bell peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lower-carb option, substitute the cup of cooked white rice with 1 cup of riced cauliflower. If using ground turkey instead of beef, add 1 extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning the meat to ensure moisture.