Hamburger Meat And Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Name: Hamburger Meat And Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Cravings

I love preparing Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers because they make for a hearty, satisfying meal that combines vibrant veggies with savory goodness. The juicy hamburger meat melds perfectly with gooey cheese, and the colors from the bell peppers make the dish pop on the plate. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week. I always find that using different types of cheese can elevate the flavor profile, and it’s so much fun to experiment in the kitchen!

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-02-27T17:29:38.508Z

Making Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers brings back so many memories of family dinners around the table. I remember experimenting with spices and herbs to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. For the best texture, I recommend browning the meat properly before adding in your other ingredients; this step really enhances the overall taste of the dish.

One specific tip that I’ve found incredibly useful is to slightly undercook the rice before mixing it with the meat. This ensures that it doesn’t get mushy while baking, preserving that delightful texture in every bite. Trust me, these stuffed peppers will become a regular fixture in your home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy hamburger meat combines beautifully with melted cheese
Colorful bell peppers make for a stunning presentation
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and spices

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

When preparing Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers, freshness is key to an enjoyable flavor profile. Choose bell peppers that feel firm and unblemished, as they will hold up best during baking. Freshly diced onions and minced garlic inject essential aromatics, enhancing the overall taste. I often recommend sautéing the garlic just until it becomes fragrant, giving it a light golden hue. This technique helps avoid any bitterness that raw garlic can sometimes impart into the dish.

The choice of ground beef also plays a crucial role. Opt for a good quality beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for extra juiciness without being overly greasy. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted without compromising on flavor. Just be mindful that the cooking time may slightly vary due to different fat contents.

Customizing Your Stuffed Peppers

One of the joys of making this dish is how easily it adapts to personal preferences. You can mix in any number of vegetables with the beef mixture, such as chopped zucchini or mushrooms, for added nutrition and texture. If you're aiming for a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too; a smoked gouda or pepper jack can introduce exciting layers of flavor.

Don’t hesitate to modify the spices as well. While Italian seasoning provides a lovely herbaceous backbone, a combination of cumin and chili powder can give the dish a Southwestern flair. For a Mediterranean approach, using feta cheese and adding olives to the filling can elevate your stuffed peppers to a whole new level.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start assembling the dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper, filling them generously. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Your Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers are now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider mixing in herbs like parsley or basil before stuffing the peppers. If you want to switch things up, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance, making them a fantastic option for meal prep. You can assemble everything and store the uncooked peppers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, giving the flavors a chance to meld. When you’re ready to bake, simply cover with foil and pop them in the oven; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they've been refrigerated.

If you're cooking in bulk, these stuffed peppers freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely and wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—this will help preserve their texture.

Serving Suggestions

To create a balanced meal, consider pairing your Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables. A light vinaigrette can enhance the meal by cutting through the richness of the cheese and beef. Topping the peppers with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

If you have leftovers, try using the filling in lettuce wraps or on top of nachos for a fun twist. The filling is versatile and can be creatively repurposed for a next-day lunch or snack, ensuring that none of your delicious effort goes to waste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge, then just bake them when you're ready to eat.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

Feel free to customize your stuffing with ingredients like corn, black beans, or even chopped veggies.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Yes! Once stuffed, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when you're ready to enjoy.