Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
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Savory, satisfying, and surprisingly kid-approved—your weeknight dinner hero.
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These stuffed peppers rescued me from a serious dinner rut. I was juggling work, three hungry kids, and a fridge full of odds and ends when I threw this together on a whim. What started as a clean-out-the-veggies moment turned into a family favorite.
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The real shocker? My youngest—who usually avoids anything green—asked for seconds. That’s when I knew I had something special.
What I love most is the balance: the peppers get tender but hold their shape, while the filling turns rich, cheesy, and deeply flavorful. And the smoked paprika? Total game-changer. It adds a subtle depth that makes the beef and cheddar sing. Regular paprika works, but if you’ve got the smoky stuff, use it.
These peppers look impressive enough for guests, but they’re wonderfully simple to make.
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bell peppers (large) | 6 | Any color works |
| Ground beef (85/15) | 1 lb | |
| Cooked rice | 1½ cups | White or brown |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Drain slightly if needed |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Adds richness |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups | Reserve some for topping |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tbsp | Or regular paprika |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish | Adds color and freshness |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold all six peppers.
2. Prep the Peppers
Slice off the tops, remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
3. Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onions for about 5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff & Bake
Fill each pepper generously with the beef mixture.
Top with shredded cheddar.
Place in baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is golden.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles around the table.
