These Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, garlic, onions, and herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella and baked in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Tender, juicy, and bursting with comforting flavors, this easy family dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy Sunday meals.

Ingredients

For the Peppers

• 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked long-grain rice
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onion until soft, then add the garlic and ground beef. Brown the meat and drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix half of the mozzarella into the filling.
6. Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth into a rustic ceramic baking dish.
7. Fill each pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture and place them in the baking dish.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6