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Dad's Stuffed Bell Peppers

These Stuffed Bell Peppers are such a classic. They're made with a mix of ground beef, rice, onions, tomatoes, and spices. No need to pre-cook the filling — just stuff, bake, and serve!

Best Ever Stuffed Bell Peppers baked in a casserole dish
Elise Bauer

Stuffed bell peppers is a classic American dish that one can't easily find in restaurants (unless it is a cafeteria).

It's essentially meatloaf stuffed into bell peppers and baked in the oven. My mom and dad have their own different versions, both delicious. This one is my dad's.

Video: How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers


Stuffed Bell Peppers

The Best Peppers to Buy

These stuffed peppers can be made with any bell pepper. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, because they're riper, having been on the plant longer, while green peppers have a fresh bitterness that can make a welcome contrast to the meatloaf-like filling. Pick your favorite or mix them up!

Look for medium to large bell peppers that will hold a decent amount of stuffing. Choose peppers that are more round than long and will stand up on their own and not teeter over once you've stuffed them.

Steam Peppers Before Stuffing

One tip that adds a little time, but makes a difference, is to steam the raw peppers before stuffing them. You don't cook them all the way; just until they start to soften. This ensures that the peppers cook through thoroughly once they're stuffed and baked, making them easier to cut and eat.

You can skip this step if you need to save some time, but know that your peppers may be still be somewhat crisp after stuffing and cooking.

Easy Stuffed Peppers baked in a casserole dish
Elise Bauer

Make Ahead Stuffed Peppers

You can steam the peppers and stuff them up to a day ahead, and then bake them in the oven when you're ready. The baked, stuffed peppers also reheat well, and make an excellent lunch the next day.

Once the peppers are cooked you can freeze them, either individually or together. They'll keep for up to a month in the freezer. Thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven.

What to Serve With Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers include vegetable, starch, and meat, so they really are a meal in themselves. We usually serve them a lightly dressed green salad or coleslaw on the side, and maybe a side of greens if we are feeling virtuous (or buttered noodles if not).

More Stuffed Pepper Recipes to Try

Dad's Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 60 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings


  • 4 to 6 bell peppers, any color
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce
  • Dash of Tabasco sauce


  1. Cook the rice (if needed):


  2. Steam the bell peppers:

    Cut the tops off of the bell peppers about 1/2 inch to 1 inch from the stem end and remove the seeds. (Save the extra bits of bell pepper for another dish such as Ground Turkey and Peppers.)



    to make stuffed bell peppers, steam the bell pepper shells first
    Elise Bauer
  3. Sauté onions and garlic:


    Cook the onions for the stuffed peppers
    Elise Bauer
  4. Make filling:

    Add the meat, cooked rice, cooked onions, tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon, just enough so that the ingredients are all well distributed. Do not over-mix.

    Mix together the ground beef filling for the stuffed peppers
    Elise Bauer
  5. Stuff the peppers:



    Stuff the peppers and line them up in a baking dish
    Elise Bauer
    Top the stuffed peppers with a ketchup mixture
    Elise Bauer
  6. Bake:


    Baked the stuffed peppers until the filling is cooked through
    Elise Bauer