Looking for a wholesome, flavorful dinner idea that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family? Look no further! These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect combination of cheesy, savory goodness and healthy ingredients.

Made with lean ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and a medley of spices, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences like vegetarian or low-carb options. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these stuffed bell peppers in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food, but this recipe takes it up a notch with customizable ingredients and bold flavors. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Customizable Protein Options: Use lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, sausage, or even vegetarian substitutes like lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the bell peppers and brown rice.
Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted cheddar jack cheese for that satisfying, gooey finish.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store for quick weeknight dinners or freeze for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible stuffed bell peppers:

2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
1 Medium Onion, diced
2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 pound Lean Ground Beef (or substitute with turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options)
1½ Cups Cooked Brown Rice (swap with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version)
14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika (use 2 teaspoons if you prefer a milder flavor)
Kosher Salt and Pepper, to taste
7 Large Bell Peppers, tops and cores removed
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese (light or fat-free options work too)
Freshly Chopped Parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove the cores. Place them cut side up in a baking dish or on a rimmed tray. This will ensure they hold their shape while baking.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Filling

Add the lean ground beef to the pan and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns (about 5-6 minutes). Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.

4. Stuff and Bake

Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper until they’re generously filled. Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the peppers are mostly tender.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese over each pepper and return them to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the peppers from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, savory creation!

Tips and Substitutions

Switch Up the Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.
Low-Carb Option: Swap out brown rice for cauliflower rice to make this dish keto-friendly.
Adjust the Spice Level: If smoked paprika feels too bold, reduce it to 2 teaspoons or replace it with regular paprika.
Cheese Alternatives: Use any light or fat-free shredded cheese if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? No problem! These stuffed bell peppers store beautifully:

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Each serving of these stuffed bell peppers is packed with nutrients while keeping calories in check:

Calories: 262 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 44mg
Sodium: 168mg
Potassium: 683mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 5696 IU
Vitamin C: 211 mg
Calcium: 98 mg
Iron: 3 mg

Final Thoughts

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring! With their vibrant colors, cheesy topping, and flavorful filling, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe has you covered.

So grab some bell peppers and get cooking—you’ll love every bite! Let us know in the comments how you customized your stuffed peppers or if you have any creative twists to share. Happy cooking!