Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

These Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef are a hearty, colorful meal that blends classic comfort food with the fresh, savory flavors of the Mediterranean. Tender bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned beef, rice (or bulgur), herbs, and a touch of tomato. The addition of feta cheese and vegetables like spinach or zucchini gives each bite a rich and satisfying balance of protein, grains, and vegetables. Perfect for a family dinner or weekly meal prep.

Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

Peppers:

4–6 bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed

Meat:

500g (1 lb) ground beef

Aromatics:

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains:

1 cup cooked rice or bulgur

Sauce / Liquid:

1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes

½ cup tomato sauce

½ cup beef broth

Herbs & Spices:

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ tsp ground cinnamon or allspice (optional, for warmth)

Cheese:

½ cup crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan

Other Ingredients (optional additions):

1 tbsp olive oil

½ cup chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms

¼ cup cooked chickpeas (optional, for extra texture and protein)

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables & Seasoning:
Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms if using. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or cinnamon. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Mix in Rice and Sauce:
Add the cooked rice (or bulgur), diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Add Cheese & Fresh Herbs:
Remove from heat and stir in parsley and half of the feta or Parmesan.

Stuff the Peppers:
Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers and keep them moist.

Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly golden on top.

Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Choose the Right Peppers:
Use firm, medium-sized bell peppers so they hold their shape after baking. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green ones have a more robust flavor.

Pre-Cook Peppers (Optional):
If you prefer softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 3–4 minutes before stuffing. This step ensures a tender texture after baking.

Rice or Bulgur Options:
Both rice and bulgur work well. Use white rice for a softer filling or bulgur for a nuttier, heartier bite. You can also use cooked quinoa for extra protein and fiber.

Add More Vegetables:
Chopped zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or even grated carrots blend perfectly into the filling and add nutrients without altering the flavor too much.

Spice Variations:
For a Mediterranean touch, stick to oregano, parsley, and black pepper. To add warmth, include a pinch of cinnamon or allspice. For heat, try a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Boost the Flavor with Olives or Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
A few chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes add salty, tangy notes that complement the beef beautifully.

Cheese Options:
Feta adds tang and creaminess, while Parmesan gives a savory, nutty edge. You can even mix in a bit of mozzarella or ricotta for a creamier texture.

Make It Lighter:
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Reduce cheese or skip it entirely for a lower-fat option.

Vegetarian Variation:
Replace the beef with a mix of chickpeas, lentils, and diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result is hearty and flavorful without the meat.

Sauce Enhancement:
For extra richness, add a spoonful of tomato paste or a splash of red wine to the filling while simmering.

Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Ideas:
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top. A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread pairs nicely for a full Mediterranean meal.

Q&A

Q: Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare and stuff the peppers up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Q: Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the filling?
A: Yes, the rice or bulgur should be fully cooked before mixing with the beef. Using uncooked grains can make the filling dry or unevenly cooked.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
A: Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot all the way through.

Q: What’s the best type of ground meat for this recipe?
A: Lean ground beef (around 85–90% lean) works best. Too much fat can make the filling greasy, while extra-lean beef may be a bit dry unless you add more tomato sauce or cheese.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes. Add a chopped chili, a pinch of cayenne, or extra red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for more heat.

Nutrition

(Per Stuffed Pepper, Approximate)

Calories: 320

Protein: 22g

Fat: 14g

Carbohydrates: 26g

Fiber: 4g

Sodium: 520mg

(Values vary depending on cheese, rice, and added vegetables.)

Conclusion

Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef are a vibrant, satisfying meal that brings together the best of comfort food and Mediterranean freshness. With tender peppers, flavorful beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheese, they strike the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome. They’re ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or anytime you want something warm, filling, and full of flavor straight from the oven.