Baked Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Italian herbs, baked until tender and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, cooked white rice, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off 4 large bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside and inside of each pepper with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup cooked white rice, 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through and combined.
  5. Step 5: Stuff each bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, then place them upright in a baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
  7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is golden brown.
  8. Step 8: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Parmesan?

Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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