Name: Italian Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483885H33M44S
Total time: PT-483885H33M44S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup cooked rice; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you love a good, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, these Italian Stuffed Peppers are the perfect choice. Filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and Italian seasoning, then topped with melted cheese, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or preparing them ahead of time for a busy week, these stuffed peppers will hit the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Italian Stuffed Peppers are everything you want in a meal—flavorful, filling, and satisfying. The bell peppers are stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef, Italian herbs, and rice, then baked to perfection and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect balance of savory meat, tender rice, and the slight sweetness of the peppers. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings and are a great way to use up pantry staples.

Ingredients
(Here’s a sneak peek of the key ingredients. Full list below!)

4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If the peppers don’t stand up on their own, you can carefully slice a tiny bit off the bottom to level them out. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Make the Stuffing Mixture

Once the beef is cooked, add the cooked rice, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well-combined and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, pressing gently to pack the stuffing inside. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble up.

Step 6: Serve

Once the peppers are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a fresh burst of color.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use ground turkey or chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, you can easily swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. The flavors will still be delicious!
Customize the stuffing: If you want to make the filling even more flavorful, add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.
Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Just stuff the peppers and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef with a mix of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.
Cheese variations: If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use cheddar cheese or a combination of Italian cheeses like provolone and Parmesan.
Add veggies: You can add chopped zucchini, carrots, or eggplant to the stuffing for a heartier filling.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Italian Stuffed Peppers make a great main dish, but they pair wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You could also serve them with some roasted vegetables or a side of pasta for a truly Italian-inspired meal. For a lighter option, enjoy them with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few minutes or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and pop them in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice?
Yes! You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier alternative.
Can I make these stuffed peppers without meat?
Absolutely! You can make these peppers with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I cook the stuffed peppers in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After stuffing the peppers, place them in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use any tomato-based sauce like pizza sauce, or even make your own using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Conclusion

Italian Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of Italy in a way that’s both simple and comforting. With tender peppers, savory beef, and gooey cheese, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, they’re easy to customize to suit your taste. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, these stuffed peppers are always a crowd-pleaser!

Italian Stuffed Peppers

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A hearty and comforting dish, these Italian Stuffed Peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and Italian seasoning, then topped with melted cheese. Perfect for dinner or meal prep!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add cooked rice, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef, mixing until combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing gently. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
Let cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef.
Make these ahead of time by prepping the stuffed peppers and refrigerating until you’re ready to bake.
To make vegetarian, replace the beef with beans or lentils.