Classic Stuffed Green Peppers

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 large green bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for lighter option) or Beyond Burger
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the green peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. To soften them, boil in salted water for 4–5 minutes, then drain.

2. Make the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess fat.

Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in half the shredded cheese and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes.

3. Stuff the Peppers

Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each one generously with the beef-rice mixture. Pour tomato sauce around the peppers in the dish.

4. Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

5. Serve

Spoon some of the sauce from the baking dish over each pepper before serving.

✅ Tip: These also reheat beautifully the next day, making them great for meal prep.