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Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Image 2

Best Classic Stuffed Peppers

A delicious and easy-to-make stuffed peppers recipe that's perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese, these peppers are a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large bell peppers Any color, tops removed and seeds discarded
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred
  • 1 cup cooked rice White or brown rice works
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Divided
  • 1 small onion Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Cooking spray
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
  6. Arrange the prepared bell peppers in the baking dish. Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it in gently.
  7. Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper, and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let the stuffed peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For a make-ahead option, assemble the peppers and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Avoid overfilling the peppers to prevent them from splitting during baking.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Food Safety:
• Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.