If you have been searching for a comforting and satisfying meal that combines fresh vegetables, hearty meat, and melty cheese, then this Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bell peppers are loaded with a savory mixture of ground beef, aromatic spices, and hearty cooked rice, all topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella that melts perfectly in the oven. Not only does this dish offer an inviting blend of flavors and textures, but it also bursts with vibrant color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Once you make this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and texture — from the sweet crunch of the bell peppers to the richness of the ground beef and the creamy, lightly browned mozzarella topping. These kitchen staples come together in harmony to create a dish that tastes simply homemade and wholesome.
- 4 large bell peppers: Choose vibrant red, yellow, or green peppers for both flavor and eye-catching color.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base with savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Adds bulk and soaks up the tomato sauce, creating a tender, fluffy filling.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Infuses the filling with a bright, tangy moisture that keeps everything luscious.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Brings aromatic sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends a punch of flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and garlic while bringing out their natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the peppers and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish with classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly topping that pulls your whole meal together.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes inside. This creates a neat hollow for your delicious filling. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish, ready for stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften and turn translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the fragrant foundation for the savory filling.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until fully browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess grease to keep the filling from being too oily.
Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce, mixing everything together until well blended. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Fill the Peppers
Evenly divide the warm filling among the hollowed peppers, packing each one gently but firmly to the top. This ensures you get a perfect balance of pepper to filling in every bite.
Step 6: Bake Covered and Then with Cheese
Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over each pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the peppers rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the filling to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly. Then you’re ready to dig into these beautiful, flavorful stuffed peppers!
How to Serve Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or basil add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten every bite. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavor and presentation. These little touches make the dish feel special and homemade.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple side salads featuring crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette, or even a light cucumber and tomato salad to add a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate, completing the meal in a satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each stuffed pepper standing tall on individual plates, or slice them into halves for an elegant appetizer spread. You could even scoop out the filling to use in stuffed zucchini boats for a vegetable twist. Playing with presentation adds excitement and variety, especially if you’re serving guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed peppers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese topping from drying out. When ready to enjoy again, you’ll find the flavors have deepened beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save time on future meals, these peppers freeze beautifully. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated stuffed peppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melty again. You can also use a microwave for convenience—just cover the peppers to retain moisture and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives a gooey, mild melt, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor complexity. Mixing cheeses can add a fun twist to this classic.
Is it better to cook the rice beforehand or use uncooked rice?
Cooking the rice ahead of time is best because uncooked rice won’t soften properly during baking, which might leave you with a crunchy filling. Using pre-cooked rice ensures a consistent texture throughout the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, a plant-based ground meat substitute, or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and beans. The flavors and textures will still create a satisfying, meatless version of these stuffed peppers.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild with just the black pepper adding a gentle warmth. If you like spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake later?
Yes, you can fully assemble the stuffed peppers and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if you bake them straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe feels like inviting you into one of my most cherished comfort food moments. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company, bursting with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how it brings vibrant color, rich taste, and comforting satisfaction to your table.
Print
Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, and tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty and comforting dish is baked to perfection and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish, ready to be filled.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is fully browned, using a spoon to break it apart evenly. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the filling from being oily.
- Season and Combine: Stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor. Then add cooked white rice and tomato sauce, mixing everything thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Fill Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing the filling gently but firmly to the top of each pepper.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the filled peppers, and return them to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the filling and allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- If you prefer spicier peppers, opt for poblano or add chili flakes to the filling.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from another meal.
