Italian Stuffed Peppers

Want a tasty Italian dish without spending hours in the kitchen? Try these Italian Stuffed Peppers for a quick, delicious dinner.

They bring classic Italian flavors together in a simple, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Picture sweet bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, all topped with melted cheese. These stuffed peppers turn simple ingredients into a dish everyone will love. Your family will ask for more!

This recipe is great for busy cooks or beginners in Italian cooking. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require complicated steps. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal that looks and tastes like it’s straight from Italy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients Overview

• Bell Peppers: Sweet and sturdy, perfect for stuffing.
• Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor.
• Tomatoes & Rice: Create a hearty and filling texture.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and cooked rice. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stuff & Bake the Peppers

1. Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bell peppers.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~340
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Protein: ~22g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky touch.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
• Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

FAQs

Can I use different meats?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative works well.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50 minutes.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheesy Upgrade: Add ricotta cheese to the filling for a creamier texture.
• No Rice? Swap in cooked quinoa or orzo pasta.
• Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Want a tasty Italian dish without spending hours in the kitchen? Try these **Italian Stuffed Peppers** for a quick, delicious dinner. They bring classic Italian flavors together in a simple, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Stuffed Peppers**
• - 6 large bell peppers any color
• - 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• - 1 small onion finely chopped
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• - 1 teaspoon dried basil
• - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• - 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
• - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• - 1 cup cooked rice
• - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers**
• Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
• Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place in a baking dish.
• #### **Step 2: Cook the Filling**
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for **2-3 minutes** until softened.
• Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
• Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and cooked rice. Let simmer for **5 minutes**.
• #### **Step 3: Stuff & Bake the Peppers**
• Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bell peppers.
• Cover with foil and bake for **30 minutes**.
• Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another **10-15 minutes**, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
• Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.