Description

These Italian Stuffed Peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, herbs, marinara sauce, rice, and cheese, then baked to tender perfection. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

4 bell peppers (any color), halved and deseeded

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 pound lean ground beef

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided

2 cups marinara sauce, divided

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom.
Place bell pepper halves cut-side up in the baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and salt; cook for 3–5 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup marinara sauce, rice, parsley, Parmesan, and half the shredded cheese until well combined.
Fill each pepper half with the beef mixture. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef for variation.
Substitute white rice with quinoa or brown rice for added fiber.
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients.
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or beans instead of meat.
Adjust red pepper flakes or add hot sauce for more spice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 pepper halves
Calories: 430
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 75mg