Quick Description
These High-Protein Stuffed Green Peppers are hearty, comforting, and packed with seasoned ground beef, Spanish-style rice, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Baked until tender and bubbly, they’re a complete meal in one dish and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 6 peppers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients List
- 6 medium green peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 box (6.87 oz) Rice-a-Roni, Spanish flavor
- 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (for cooking the rice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers
Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Rinse and set aside.
Optional: boil peppers for 5 minutes for softer texture, then drain.
3. Cook the Rice
Prepare Rice-a-Roni according to package directions, using the canned tomatoes in place of part of the water.
Set aside.
4. Cook the Beef
In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Mix the Filling
Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, and sugar to the beef mixture. Stir well.
6. Stuff the Peppers
Fill each pepper generously with the mixture.
Place in a baking dish upright.
7. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove foil, top each pepper with cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.
8. Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (Per Pepper – Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Benefits
- High-Protein Complete Meal
- Vegetable + Protein + Carbs in One Dish
- Filling & Satisfying
- Meal-Prep Friendly
- Family Favorite
Additional Notes
- Use ground turkey for lighter version
- Add garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
- Top with mozzarella or pepper jack for variety
- Add beans or corn for Tex-Mex style
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Gluten-Free: ❌ (Rice-a-Roni contains wheat)
Low-Carb: ❌
Keto-Friendly: ❌
Dairy-Free: ❌
Brief Introduction
Stuffed peppers are one of those classic meals that always feel homemade and comforting. This version is extra flavorful thanks to Spanish rice and cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare peppers
- Cook rice
- Brown beef & onion
- Mix filling
- Stuff peppers
- Bake
- Add cheese & finish
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Green Peppers:
Red or yellow peppers also work.
Rice-a-Roni:
Substitute cooked rice + taco seasoning if needed.
Cheese:
Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella all melt well.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Mexican-style (add taco seasoning + corn)
- Italian-style (use marinara + mozzarella)
- Low-carb (replace rice with cauliflower rice)
Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Soup
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: 4 days
Freeze: 2 months
Reheat: oven or microwave
FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, baked or unbaked.
Can I use other meats?
Turkey, chicken, or sausage work well.
Optional Personal Story
Stuffed peppers were always a dinner that felt special growing up. This version is the one everyone asks me to make again.
