STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS
Stuffed green peppers are made with simple ingredients, full of flavor, and make a fabulous dinner!
If you like green peppers, then you may want to try our stuffed pepper pasta bake or crockpot sausage and peppers.
❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
Growing up, we had a big garden every summer, so green peppers were abundant (read more about our garden and way of life here). Mom always made this recipe when we were kids, and we just went crazy over it. Stuffed green peppers are made with basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. We use Minute rice, which cuts down on the time, so you can easily prepare this dish on a busy weeknight. This is one of our most popular recipes because it is easy and delicious!
SWAPS
✔️You can easily use ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken in this recipe. Remember, ground turkey/chicken can be very bland, so you’ll want to add more spice/seasoning to the meat than when you cook with ground beef or pork.
✔️You can easily use regular rice or brown rice in this recipe. If using regular rice, you will need to cook it first.
✔️You certainly don’t have to use green peppers. This recipe is fantastic with yellow and red peppers too!
⭐TIP
If your peppers won’t stand up in the pan, you can slice a bit off the bottom to make them flat or simply cut the peppers in half horizontally and just lay them on their side.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
You could use Italian sausage to give them more of an Italian flavor. You can easily add black beans and taco seasoning to the meat mixture to give it more of a Mexican flavor. You may also love these recipes:
WHAT TO SERVE THEM WITH
Stuffed Green Peppers go well with many dishes and we have served them with various side dishes. These are a few of our favorites, you can always use the side dish tab on our website to search for others.
❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, as long as you are using Minute rice. If you are using regular rice, then yes, you cook it before and then just add it into the meat mixture.
If your peppers are soggy, then you overcooked them, or you boiled them too long before baking them.
STORING AND REHEATING
They will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. You can easily freeze leftovers by placing them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Stuffed Green Peppers
Video
Ingredients
- 6 large green peppers or 8 medium tops removed, seeded (Save the tops to add to stuffing)
- 1 pound lean ground beef You could use ground turkey, too
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic I used the minced garlic that comes in a jar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 4 ounce can green chilis, drained
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drain and save the juice
- 1/2 cup minute rice can use regular rice but need to cook it first if you do
- 1 4 ounce can tomato sauce, Optional (I don’t use this with mine)
- Cheese for tops of peppers about 1/2 cup shredded (I used cheddar, you can use whatever you like)
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water, after you have removed the seeds and stems, boil the peppers for five minutes to soften them up. Remove from water and drain on paper towels.
- Brown the hamburger, onion, chopped pepper tops and drain if needed. Add the oregano, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt, garlic, basil, green chilis, drained diced tomatoes (save the drained juice from the diced tomatoes) and minute rice. Simmer until rice is tender or about 5 minutes.
- Fill your peppers with the hamburger mixture. (If you are using the tomato sauce pour it over the filled peppers. Some people like a lot of tomato taste and use the sauce) Pour the drained tomato juice that you saved from the diced tomatoes into the bottom of your casserole dish.
- Bake peppers in preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove and add shredded cheese to top of each pepper. Return to oven for five more minutes until cheese melts.
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I forgot the tomato sauce. The stuffed bell peppers were great without the sauce. I used garden fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. They worked great!
Thank you for the recipe.
YAY! So glad it still worked out!
Delicious thanks for the recipe very simple
We’re eating them for dinner tonight…easy to make and it smells awesome!! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!!!
You’re so welcome!! So glad you enjoy this recipe.
Just made these tonight!! Yummy!!
YAY!!!
So simple and so yummy!
I have never thought to use green chiles, when making stuffed peppers. So glad I did! I took the Mexican theme and, ran with it.
I have never liked the plain tomato sauce in my recipe. Your recipe inspired me! I used the green chiles listed, Rotel tomatoes+green chiles, and Enchilada sauce.
Also, the Worchestire added a depth of flavor, my recipe was missing. I’m a big fan of Worchestire in beef recipes. I’m kicking myself for never thinking to add it, prior to now. I had avoided making stuffed peppers for quite some time because, I wasn’t impressed with my recipe. I felt it was bland. THIS one you shared…is not.
I’ve never made a recipe from your site, and been disappointed. All are amazing!
We are thrilled you enjoy the recipes! Thank you so much for the kind words.
My recipe is a little different due to food allergies, but I usually make this recipe as unstuffed peppers in a slow cooker. When the kids were little, it was easier to get them to eat it as unstuffed than stuffed.
Can I make all the ingredients for the green peppers ahead and cook them the next day
I think that would be fine.
My husband and I LOVED these stuffed peppers! They are going to be on repeat in this house!
Thank you so much for changing my reputation as a cook! 😎
YAY!! We’re thrilled they were a hit for you!!
This recipe is delicious! We will have these stuffed peppers again and again!
My husband (who fancies himself a better cook that I am) LOVED it. Thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome! So glad it was a hit!
Made this twice….tonight’s dinner. It’s yummy
Made these yesterday and the whole family loved them! Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes. I also love your magazine.
Best recipe for Stuffed Peppers on the internet! My kids don’t even like stuffed peppers and they loved these. Your recipes just work for my family we love them all. Your magazine is fantastic too!
Thank you!!! We love this one too and we are thrilled you are enjoying the magazine!
I would give this recipe 10 stars if I could! Best I’ve ever had!!
YAY!! SO glad!!
This one is my fav! One reason I like your magazine is that you published one of my recipes w/ photo 20 years ago. haha
Hi Pat, We’re thrilled you enjoy this recipe. However, our magazine is 5 years old so I think you may be thinking of a different publication. Thanks!
I’m obsessed with this recipe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made it. Even the kids ask for it!
Made these using ground, turkey breast and cauliflower rice. They were wonderful! Thank you again for another terrific recipe!
You are very welcome! So glad you enjoyed them!
Love to receive these recipes
We loved these. I think the green chilis add so much! Will definitely make again!
Do you cook the rice before adding it to the beef mixture?
Like the recipe states, if you use minute rice.. no you don’t have to, if you use regular rice.. yes you do have to.
Made these for dinner using your recipe and they were delicious! Will definitely make them again.
Thrilled you enjoy this one!
! I made it with ground venison from the buck my daughter got this year. Used long grain and wild rice from a box. Delish
This is so scrumptious! My Mom and I have fixed it twice in the last month
After boiling the peppers for 5 minutes, the peppers turned out a little more firm than I like my stuffed peppers. Next time I will boil them a little longer so they are softer and able to cut with a fork. Other than that, this recipe is simply delicious!
You mentioned in your story freezing peppers from your garden. Do you freeze them whole? I have trouble using the whole fresh peppers I get before they go bad & end up slicing, blanching & freezing instead. I’d love to be able to freeze whole for things like this!
Made this, used diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, added some Chipotle peppers in Adobe sauce for a little flavor and heat, also added diced mushrooms, yummy yummy
Can you freeze these?
Probably, but I have never tried it.
I have frozen these as I am the only one who eats them and they are perfect to take to work etc..!
I sub Rotel for the diced tomatoes
Great idea! I will try that next time
I love this recipe and have been making it for years. I like to chop the green peppers into bite size pieces and put them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. I set them aside and and make the meat and rice mixture. I combine it all in a 9 x13 casserole dish, top with cheese and bake. Easier than stuffing the peppers and no need for a knife at the table.
I dont even eat peppers…AT ALL…and I demolished these..I used 2 green and 2 yellow peppers (havent tried the yellow yet) but the green was delicious
So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Alechia, and thank you for trying our recipes. We are happy to have you on our site. Thank you for the wonderful comment, too.
I like to use half ground beef and half Italian sausage.
I love this recipe. I do add one can of diced tomatoes. I also put tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan.
My twin sister was reluctant to try it because as a child my mom used to make stuffed peppers and she despised them.
She loves this recipe and begs me to make it now.
Thanks for the great recipe.
Laura
Oh gosh, what a wonderful comment! I’m so glad these are such a hit!
Super easy & so delicious!
These are delicious! I’ve made them many times before & they’re always a hit, even with my picky eaters ! I usually add a little extra of everything. I also ‘kill two birds with one stone’ by adding a can of Rotel instead of the two seperate cans of green Chile & diced tomatoes.
I’m making them this week with cauliflower rice for a lower carb alternative . I know they’ll be just as good
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment and rating. We love these peppers, too. Hope you have a great week ahead.
I love all your recipes. Love to cook different things instead of same o same o. Keep them coming! You are great!
Made them, but I didn’t care for the Italian seasoning, should have left it out. Also, needs a little more salt and tomato juice in the mixture. I added a little corn. Everyone else seems to like them, so it’s just me.
These are a new family favorite!
My husband has made your stuffed green pepper recipe many times. Big hit with the family!!!
We’re so glad you enjoy them!! Thank you for your kind comment.
Could you use quinoa instead of the rice?
Yep, I believe so 🙂
Great recipe ……I put a little cheese in mixture
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!
Suggestion: I have stuffed cheese cubes or string cheese ( mozzarella )down in the middle before baking…good!!
Made these for supper. Extra good, spicy. Had extra filling since there are just 2 of us and I only had a few peppers. Will use leftover filling for burritos. This is a keeper.
So happy you enjoyed the recipe, Janey. Thank you for letting us know.
We both love these stuffed peppers. We made these a week ago and they were so so good my husband is ready for some more
Yummy trying these tonight for me and the hubby! He’s never had
I didn’t think I liked stuffed green peppers BUT I made these tonight. Loved, loved them. Used Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles, 2 cans, PERFECT!
Love hearing this! Thank you so much!
OMG..Those stuffed green peppers!!! WOWSA!!! AMAZING!! I’m a fan of stuffed peppers but let’s face it, rice and beef is usually a bit boring. Spicing it up isn’t always enough either. Your ingredients are spot on. We so enjoyed it. It’ll be my go to stuffed pepper recipe for a very long time! Thanks of the great dinner. 🙂 Michele
My husband doesn’t care for green bell peppers. He will eat eat this dish if I use the sweet red bell peppers. I also use the mild or medium heat diced chilies in the can. I have a daughter that doesn’t handle heat very well. Just make sure Tabasco is handy for those that like more heat on their eats. We love this recipe.
I was just wondering what green chilis taste like? I honestly have never tried nor seen them. Thank you. Love your site!
I make my meat as if I’m fixing it for a meat loaf, (i’m lazy) and then stuff it in the peppers, I never tried with the rice, I love rice and I must try it with rice. Thanks for the idea.
Easy and so tasty.
Any one ever use bread crumbs!
For what? A replacement for rice?
This recipe is awesome!!!! I would have never thought about adding cheese at the end…. the cheese totally makes this dish delish!! I will make again and again and……….
What would you serve with them? I’m thinking garlic bread and green salad.
Sounds good to me Chris.
First time ever making stuffed peppers. They were awesome!! Thank you so much. I loved the flavor.
Jacque so glad you enjoyed them!
This is the recipe I’ve been looking for. Extremely similar to how I’ve made mine but sometimes I add just a little Worcestershire. Not always. Unfortunately it’s the first year we don’t have canned tomatoes from the garden because mashing those from the jar and adding, then pouring the juice into the mixture is something that I highly recommend! Not to mention garden fresh peppers! Thank you for sharing!!
try using tomato bisque soup instead of tomato sauce.
Can these be frozen either before cooking or after? It’s only me and my husband and it would be nice to have these all ready prepared.
I have never tried freezing them Lorraine but I feel like you could with no problems. I think I would stuff them and then freeze.
I freeze them all the time. Can freeze before or after cooking.
Can you use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green ones?
Yes, you can.
I was wondering the same thing
I find red peppers taste great as well – I like them better than the green personally.
In Stead Of Sauce How About Diced Tomatos
Do u have a recipe for salty or brine pickles
Just cook the rice with the hamburger. If you are using minute rice it will cook in the hamburger drippings.
My stuffed peppers are in the oven as I type…this recipe made it so easy to put together a dish I’ve been wanting to try for a while now (btw i used tomato sauce). The base tasted delish, can’t wait to try the finished product!
I can figure the rest out with this as a starting point. Thank you very much!
I made them last night! They were delicious! I even had a guest beg to take the left-overs. I may try the suggestion of using V-8 juice because I love tomatoe but they were still awesome without! Thanks!
I made this recipe just like it stated. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. It looks so delicious I can’t wait until dinner, Yum.
Loved your stuffed pepper recipe I fixed it tonight and didn’t change it by much just left out the green chilies. It was a big hit here! Thanks for sharing!
I was wondering if they would still be good without the green chilies. Thanks for posting.
I make about the same recipe and have never used the green chilies. Make the stuffing to your taste.
I like this recipe. Looks very delicious.
We love stuffed peppers I do them all the time lots of iron very good for u I have not have these peppers like this I’m ttrying them for thanksgiving to thanks
I like using V-8 juice in & over mine. Also use the Uncle Bens rice that you microwave for 90 seconds (many different varieties.)
Made a batch last weekend using ground turkey and cooked wild rice, with diced onion and jalapenos. The wild rice gave a really nice ‘nutty’ flavor, and it’s high in fiber too.
What a great idea! I love the Uncle Ben’s microwavable rice…think I’ll try it in the stuffed pepper recipe! Thanks!!
Sounds delicious! I love to stuff my peppers w/Lamb and use yellow, red & orange peppers. Also, can cook these in the Crock Pot just cook meat first (I use microwave) and cheat w/the rice w/Uncle Ben’s 90 second heat up.
I made these today, and we loved them!
Never thought of cooking the ingredients first & then stuffing the pepper. This seems so much easier & tastier than mine. Will definitely try.
I have searched and searched and searched and tried and tried and tried so many recipes for stuffed peppers. I have GOT to tell you that this is theeee EEEEZIEST recipe I have ever seen and I cannot wait to make it! I have a feeling that this is gonna be my go-to stuffed pepper recipe! I just happened to get on fb at the very same time that this popped onto my news feed. How fortuitous is that!
These look so good! I can’ t wait to try them.