Rating: 3.75
(188)

Beef and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

June 14, 2024

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food, and when filled with a savory blend of beef and spinach, they become a nutritious and satisfying meal. Beef and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only packed with flavor, but they also offer a healthy dose of vegetables, lean protein, and iron, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Sweet bell peppers are hollowed out and stuffed with a hearty filling made from ground beef, spinach, rice (optional), and a variety of seasonings. The beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and herbs to bring out its full flavor, while the spinach adds a vibrant pop of green and a mild, earthy taste that balances the richness of the beef. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking, allowing it to melt into a golden, bubbling layer.

To prepare, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ground beef in a skillet until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Then, stir in fresh spinach and cook until it wilts. You can also add cooked rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a bit of texture and extra nutrition. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a classic Mediterranean touch.

Once the filling is ready, stuff it into the hollowed bell peppers and place them in the oven to bake. The peppers soften and become tender, while the filling cooks through, becoming a deliciously cohesive mixture. A final topping of melted cheese adds a comforting finishing touch.

Beef and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers are a versatile dish, you can experiment with different proteins, like turkey or chicken, or add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the filling. Serve them with a side salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Beef and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
3.75 from 188 votes
Delicious and nutritious beef and spinach stuffed bell peppers recipe.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Bell peppers
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups spinach chopped
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked rice.
  • Spoon the beef and spinach mixture into the bell peppers, filling them to the top.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed bell peppers.
  • Place the stuffed bell peppers on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 25gFat: 15gFiber: 5g
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Brunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef, easy lunch, lunch ideas, meatlovers, spinach, stuffed peppers
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: >45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar lon.murazik says:

    5 stars
    First time making stuffed peppers and they came out great!

    1. User avatar judson.oreilly says:

      5 stars
      Awesome! I want to try this recipe too! How long did they take to bake?

  2. 3 stars
    Too much cheese for my taste, but my kids liked it.

  3. User avatar janella.herman says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about putting spinach in with the beef and rice, but it came out surprisingly balanced. Good recipe.

  4. 3 stars
    I tried it but the beef was too greasy and I didn’t like the cheese on top. Maybe less beef next time.

  5. 5 stars
    Made these last night—so comforting. The spinach actually stays flavorful and the mozzarella top gets nice and bubbly. I used brown rice and it still worked great.

  6. User avatar Lynwood Abshire says:

    2 stars
    Why do you need rice? Just meat and spinach is better!

  7. User avatar barney.bernhard45 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Will definitely make again!

  8. User avatar wellRespected says:

    4 stars
    I can’t believe how easy this recipe is! I’m not great in the kitchen, and it was a hit.

    1. User avatar aaron.walker1969 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This was so easy to make. I added some extra spices for flavor and everyone loved it!

  9. User avatar dyan.jakubowski76 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe but mine turned out dry. Maybe I overcooked the beef.

  10. User avatar darren.stehr25 says:

    4 stars
    I used brown rice instead of white and added some spices. It was really flavorful!

  11. User avatar clyde.keeling6 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! I made it for dinner and my family loved it. 5 stars!

  12. User avatar edmond.marquardt69 says:

    4 stars
    I wasn’t sure about the spinach, but it turned out surprisingly good! Who knew?

  13. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

    1 star
    Will never make these again – too much work for not enough flavor.

  14. User avatar Paige Turner says:

    5 stars
    Stuffed Peppers! Yum! I LOVE these things. Easy and pretty.

  15. User avatar christopher.hauck1976 says:

    4 stars
    This recipe is great! But can I use frozen spinach instead?

  16. 5 stars
    This is one of those recipes that feels healthier but still satisfies. Easy steps, not too many ingredients. 10/10 for weeknight dinner.

    1. User avatar edmundo.towne says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—these are such a “healthy but actually filling” kind of dinner. The spinach + rice combo is perfect for weeknights. I usually add a little extra cheese though 😅

    2. User avatar Hotblack Desiato's bodyguard says:

      3 stars
      Eh, I dunno. 30–35 minutes feels a little short for pepper tops being soft. Mine always end up crunchy unless I cover them with foil. Still tastes good, just needs tweaking.

  17. User avatar jake.kutch74 says:

    2 stars
    Not bad but I overcooked the spinach—oops. The filling came out watery, and I think the tomatoes were the culprit too. Still ate it, just not “wow.”

  18. User avatar maryanna.torphy says:

    3 stars
    My peppers got burnt on the bottom but the top was ok. Oven issues maybe?

  19. User avatar brett.klocko60 says:

    5 stars
    These were so good! My kids ate them all! Definitely making again.

  20. User avatar nigel.padberg46 says:

    5 stars
    I thought this was going to be bad, but surprisingly I liked it! Who knew peppers could taste so good?

    1. User avatar edie.kiehn says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Peppers are like little flavor bombs. Who would have thought? This recipe is a game changer!

  21. User avatar moira.greenholt39 says:

    3 stars
    This looks easy! I might try it if I can find the bell peppers on sale.

    1. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

      5 stars
      I hope you find them on sale! This recipe is so worth it. The cheese makes it extra tasty!

  22. User avatar suzie.klocko46 says:

    3 stars
    I’m not a fan of ground beef, can I use chicken instead? 🤔

  23. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    2 stars
    Too many steps! I prefer easier recipes.

  24. User avatar Oolon Colluphid says:

    4 stars
    I loved the idea, but 30–35 minutes wasn’t enough for my peppers (they were bigger). I had to bake closer to 45. Still tasty though.

    1. User avatar marty.nikolaus says:

      4 stars
      Good call. Time always depends on pepper size and how thick they are. Next time you can loosely cover with foil to keep them from drying out.

    2. User avatar alvaro.hammes says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—my peppers were huge too. 30–35 min just made them kinda crunchy for me. I did ~45 as well and it was perfect. 😊

  25. User avatar steven.armstrong6 says:

    4 stars
    Can I use quinoa instead of rice? I gotta eat healthy. 🤔

    1. User avatar oleta.bayer1975 says:

      5 stars
      Quinoa would work great! It’s super healthy and tastes nice. I think it might even be better! 😊

  26. User avatar dwight.kassulke51 says:

    3 stars
    Is it just me or did anyone else think the recipe was missing something? It could use some spice.

  27. User avatar Draugr Scourge says:

    1 star
    I don’t understand why you have to bake these. Can’t I just eat them raw?

    1. User avatar Bowerick Wowbagger says:

      5 stars
      You really should bake them! Raw meat and uncooked rice isn’t safe. Trust me, they come out much better baked!

  28. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    3 stars
    Is there a vegetarian version of this? I have friends who don’t eat meat.

  29. User avatar annika.stanton63 says:

    5 stars
    Cooking the beef first is a must. Don’t skip that step!

  30. User avatar herschel.hills says:

    4 stars
    Next time I’m adding more spinach! Can’t let my kids know it’s in there. 😊

    1. User avatar lanette.cormier says:

      3 stars
      I dunno… kids can be picky. What if they find out? Maybe try blending it first? 🤔

    2. User avatar miles.franecki60 says:

      5 stars
      Great idea! I’m sure they’ll never know. Spinach is sneaky! 😂

  31. 4 stars
    I used quinoa instead of rice and it still worked. Only tweak I’d suggest is mixing in a bit of extra cheese or topping with parmesan too.

    1. User avatar dorine.bednar says:

      5 stars
      Nice! Quinoa swaps always feel a little risky but I’m glad it worked out. Parmesan on top is a great idea too—more flavor and it helps brown.

    2. User avatar merilyn.abernathy says:

      4 stars
      Quinoa instead of rice is fine, but if you used cooked quinoa that was already seasoned, it can throw the salt off. I’d maybe add less salt next time.

  32. User avatar jackelyn.labadie27 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My husband said they’re the best thing I’ve made this week! Will make again!

  33. User avatar alana.morar70 says:

    2 stars
    My peppers didn’t really get tender and the cheese browned too fast. I’d cover with foil sooner next time.

  34. User avatar lacy.maggio69 says:

    5 stars
    Made these tonight and wow—super comforting. The spinach cooked down perfectly and the rice helped it feel hearty. I’ll definitely make again!

  35. User avatar rey.ullrich66 says:

    5 stars
    Finally found a way to eat spinach without hating it!

    1. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

      5 stars
      I know, right?! Spinach can taste good if you prepare it the right way. This recipe sounds delicious!

    2. User avatar valorie.parisian20 says:

      3 stars
      Really? Spinach still sounds yucky to me, but maybe stuffing it in a pepper would help. Gonna try!

  36. User avatar hiram.ebert says:

    4 stars
    My mom used to make these but with a different filling. Childhood memories!

  37. 2 stars
    Looks good but I doubt the spinach would be good in it. I think it’s gonna taste weird. 🤔

  38. User avatar sharda.schimmel says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The flavors blend perfectly. Will make again!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! These stuffed peppers are a game changer. Love how easy they are to make too!

  39. User avatar milton.effertz says:

    5 stars
    Stuffed peppers… my grandma used to make these but with turkey. Nostalgia!

    1. 3 stars
      Beef? My grandma used to use rice and beans in hers, way better! Just sayin’. But I guess everyone has their own take…

    2. User avatar lisette.hackett50 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love when recipes bring back good memories. Turkey sounds nice too, but beef sounds more flavorful! Can’t wait to try this.

  40. 1 star
    Beef in a pepper? Isn’t that a bit strange? I prefer my peppers filled with rice only. Nope!

    1. User avatar shanda.mueller53 says:

      4 stars
      I can see why you like rice in peppers, but trust me, the beef adds so much flavor! You should give it a try!

  41. 3 stars
    I just threw the whole thing in the microwave… not the same but still edible.

  42. User avatar Siona Atreides says:

    5 stars
    Wow! My kids loved these. I didn’t think they’d eat peppers, but they’ll clean their plates!

  43. 2 stars
    how long do i cook the beef? your recipe is missing that!

    1. User avatar carey.denesik66 says:

      2 stars
      But it doesn’t say in the recipe! How do you know?? Are you sure you aren’t missing something?

    2. 5 stars
      I think you cook the beef until it’s brown before adding it to the peppers! It should take about 8-10 minutes on medium heat.

  44. User avatar Dwarven Shpere says:

    4 stars
    Less beef more veggies next time! But overall not bad!

  45. User avatar shantell.douglas1976 says:

    5 stars
    These turned out so comforting. The oregano/basil combo with the mozzarella is 🔥. I used fresh spinach and it was still great.

    1. User avatar lupe.cummings says:

      4 stars
      I tried it but my spinach didn’t wilt right away and I had to cook way longer. Still tasted good though. Next time I’ll chop it finer maybe.

    2. User avatar ike.kohler1 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! That oregano/basil + mozzarella combo is exactly the vibe. I’m making these again for meal prep 😄

  46. User avatar mertie.goldner4 says:

    4 stars
    I’m not a huge rice person, so I subbed cauliflower rice. Still tasted great, just a different texture. Would recommend if you want lighter.

  47. User avatar dennis.dare says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I didn’t have spinach, so used kale. Still turned out great! Easy recipe 👌

    1. User avatar charlena.aufderhar says:

      5 stars
      Kale sounds like a cool sub! I’ll try that next time. 😄

  48. User avatar dacia.stamm85 says:

    5 stars
    I love how colorful these are! Perfect for Instagram! 📸

    1. User avatar ethel.harvey85 says:

      3 stars
      But do they taste good tho? I mean, it’s just peppers and meat, right?

    2. User avatar guillermo.nikolaus1954 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! They look amazing! Can’t wait to try this recipe! 🌈

  49. 5 stars
    Soooo good! I added jalapeños for some heat.

  50. User avatar inocencia.schiller0 says:

    4 stars
    Took forever to cook, was a bit impatient but the end result was worth it! 😋

  51. User avatar ardelia.gulgowski90 says:

    1 star
    Too many ingredients for my liking, might skip this one.

    1. User avatar summer.kuhlman says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! Sometimes less is more. But maybe just try simplifying it a bit? 😅

  52. 4 stars
    Very similar to a dish my grandma used to make! Such comfort food. ❤️

  53. User avatar malik.leffler26 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have rice, used quinoa, and still turned out nice. Just a suggestion!

  54. User avatar Storm Atronach says:

    2 stars
    The instructions were kinda confusing, I ended up mixing everything in a pot and just spooning into the peppers.

  55. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    5 stars
    These came out sooo good—super filling and the peppers stayed nice and tender. I added a little extra cheese on top and it was perfect.

  56. User avatar christian.mclaughlin35 says:

    5 stars
    Followed the recipe pretty much exactly and they baked perfectly. Peppers were tender, filling not dry. Will make again.

  57. User avatar Saruman the White says:

    1 star
    Peppers are too healthy for me! Stick with chips.

  58. 2 stars
    I tried this and the peppers tasted kinda bitter? Maybe I cooked them too long or bought the wrong kind of bell peppers. Any tips on selecting sweeter ones?

    1. 4 stars
      Oh no—bitter bell peppers are usually either overcooked or the peppers themselves weren’t sweet. I’d try shorter bake time (check at ~25 min) and make sure they’re tender, not mushy. Also, remove the white pithy ribs inside—those can taste bitter.

    2. User avatar Angele Crooks says:

      4 stars
      If you cooked them too long, the skin can turn a bit bitter/tough. Next time, I’d par-roast the peppers for like 10 minutes first, then fill + bake just until the cheese melts.

  59. User avatar jacquie.blick says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but a bit too much spinach for my taste. I think I’ll leave that out next time.

  60. User avatar kirk.rutherford says:

    1 star
    Bell peppers are nasty. No thank you! 🚫

3.75 from 188 votes
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