These Easy Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe has been in my dinner repertoire for years. This classic recipe is made with simple ingredients and takes a couple of steps, but they come out delicious every time.
Fresh green bell peppers are filled with a savory beefy tomato rice filling and are topped with melted cheese. This bell pepper recipe is a classic recipe and is a lovely idea for Sunday dinner.
This is one of our easy beef dinner recipes you will want to bookmark for later.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Recipe-1.jpg)
This recipe is a go to for me and is very economical when ground beef and peppers are on sale.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Recipe.jpg)
Why Try this Recipe
Delicious. This easy stuffed peppers recipe is a classic favorite dish. This delicious meal is great for a dinner idea with the tasty combination of flavors and fresh peppers.
Easy Recipe. This really is a simple recipe, there are a few steps involved but you can prepare some ahead of time. it is great way to make ahead for later.
Classic. This easy meal idea is a family favorite and a good recipe for a dinner party with family or friends.
Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Ingredients
- green peppers
- ground beef - I use a 80/20 lean ground beef
- onion - I prefer the flavors of white or yellow onion for this
- tomato sauce
- Cooked rice white or brown rice
- Mozzarella cheese
- salt
- sugar
- garlic clove or garlic powder
- black pepper
- Fresh basil or dried basil
Equipment and Kitchen Tools
- large stock pot or dutch oven
- large skillet
- square or round baking dish
Variations and Substitutions
- pepper colors - I used green peppers, but you could use yellow peppers or red peppers or orange bell peppers.
- cheese - You could change up the cheese and use Cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese or any combination.
- Ground Turkey - You can sub ground turkey or even ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Brown rice - I make these with white rice, but they can be made with cooked brown rice.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers
Step by Step Overview
Step 1 - Wash the peppers and cut off the tops.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Make-Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Step-1.jpg)
Step 2 - Blanch the peppers in water. See tips regarding blanching.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Make-Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Step-2.jpg)
Step 3 - Prepare the ground meat filling on the stove top.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Make-Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Step-3.jpg)
Step 4 - Spoon the ground beef mixture into the pepper shells.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Make-Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Step-4.jpg)
Step 5 - if desired you can spoon a little more tomato sauce on top.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Make-Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Step-5.jpg)
Step 6 - Add shredded cheese to the top of the peppers and bake in the oven.
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Make-Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Peppers-Step-6.jpg)
I like to serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese .
![](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Old-Fashioned-Stuffed-Bell-Pepper-Recipe.jpg)
What to Serve with Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Pasta - Stuffed peppers are great when served with pasta. I like spaghetti, rotini or linguini.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve steamed vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans for a healthy option.
- Potatoes - Baked or air fried potatoes are also delicious with these stuffed peppers.
- Green Salad - A simple green salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a light dressing is a refreshing side dish for stuffed peppers.
- Cauliflower rice and corn salad also make great side dishes
- Garlic Bread - A crusty bread like this crusty baguette garlic bread or dinner rolls as a side dish. They are the best sides for dipping into the flavorful juices of the stuffed peppers.
Any combination of the above is the perfect accompaniment to this classic dish
![Baked Bell Pepper](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/stuffed-bell-peppers-1.jpg)
Timesaving Tips for this Recipe
- Blanching Bell Peppers - Cook peppers in boiling water 3-4 minutes. When done, quickly remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and plunge them into some cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Double the recipe and freeze the stuffed bell peppers for a meal later on. 'Double the recipe and freeze the stuffed bell peppers for a meal later on.
- Prepare the rice ahead of time in a rice cooker or on the stove top so it is ready to go.
- Store baked bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The original recipe for these comes from Betty Crocker in one of my early cookbooks. Since then I have updated these and added some spices to ramp up the flavor. I love it when I can mix ingredients up and change up a recipe.
Don't forget to bookmark this recipe.
![How to make Stuffed Peppers](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/How-to-make-Stuffed-Peppers-1.jpg)
For more great ground beef dinner ideas, check out:
![These Baked Bell Peppers with cheese are a great dinner idea that incorporates sweet bell peppers for a healthy dinner idea!](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/stuffed-peppers-1.jpg)
- Ground Beef Pasta - A delicious one pot pasta made with zucchini and ground beef.
- Easy Cavatappi Pasta – A fun twist on pasta made with ground beef and vegetables.
- Taco Pasta with Ground Beef -This One Pot Taco Pasta with Ground Beef comes together quickly in a single skillet!
- One-Pot Beef Pasta – A delicious pasta recipe with ground beef and vegetables made in a single pan.
![Stuffed Bell Peppers](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/stuffedbell-peppers-v2.jpg)
📖 Recipe
![These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a great dinner idea that incorporates sweet bell peppers for a healthy dinner idea!](https://www.organizedisland.com/wp-content/uploads/stuffed-peppers-3-300x300.jpg)
Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 2 leaves fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of water over medium heat.
- Prepare the peppers by washing and cutting off tops of the peppers and removing the seeds.
- Place peppers in the water and blanch the peppers about 3-4 minutes.
- Place blanched peppers in a baking pan, opening side up and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
- In a large skillet, cook the hamburger and onion over medium heat until hamburger is brown.
- Drain thoroughly and break up hamburger.
- Add rice, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, garlic, and black pepper to mixture and combine.
- Stuff each pepper to nearly the top with hamburger mixture. Top with cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven.
Nutrition
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Tamara
My stomach is growling for this! We grow bell peppers in our garden but I can't wait this long. I'll add peppers to our shopping list!
Debbie Manno
I have not made this recipe in years, but I too have the very same one. I know what I am making for dinner soon. Happy Easter.
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida
I am alone in my love for stuffed peppers in this house, which is why I never make them. But your photos have my mouth watering, so I think I need to start!
Raquel
LOL! Thank you Pattie! They really are tasty!