Grandma Perri's Stuffed Peppers

Savor the comforting flavors of "Grandma Perri's Stuffed Peppers," a timeless family recipe that turns simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. Vibrant bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy white rice, and aromatic onions and garlic, then baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. A final layer of melted mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, indulgent touch, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a burst of color and freshness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, these stuffed peppers are a one-dish wonder that's as satisfying as it is flavorful. Plus, they're easy to customize using your favorite pepper colors or by swapping in ground turkey for a lighter option. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is sure to become a cherished go-to in your home.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bell peppers (any color, medium to large size)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes inside. Rinse and set the peppers aside. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand upright.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked white rice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and remove from heat.

Step 6

In a separate saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. This will be the sauce for the stuffed peppers.

Step 7

Lightly grease a baking dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour half of the tomato sauce mixture into the bottom of the dish.

Step 8

Stuff each prepared bell pepper with the meat and rice filling, pressing gently to pack tightly. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish on top of the sauce.

Step 9

Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 10

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 11

After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the peppers.

Step 12

Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2813.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2174.7

Total Fat 130.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 361.2mg	0%
Sodium 4441.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.6g	0%
Total Sugars 57.7g
Protein 121.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 963.7mg	0%
Iron 19.8mg	0%
Potassium 4799.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.1%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 26.1%