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Stuffed Baby Peppers with Beef and Rice Recipe delights all!

These Mini Peppers Stuffed with Beef & Rice are bite-sized bundles of flavor! Filled with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice, then baked until tender, they’re perfect for entertaining or a hearty family meal. Add the optional creamy tomato sauce to take them over the top!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Eastern European / Russian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • For the Rice Base1 cup round rice rinsed until water runs clear1 cup chicken broth or water½ teaspoon salt
  • For the Stuffing1 pound ground beef chuck1 medium onion diced1 carrot, shredded2 tomatoes, diced or 6 oz tomato sauce4 pounds mini bell peppers, assorted colors1½ teaspoons kosher salt1 teaspoon ground black pepper3 cloves garlic, pressed½ teaspoon smoked paprika¼ cup chopped parsley½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
  • For the Cooking Liquid3 cups boiling chicken broth or water1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional Creamy Tomato Sauce1 onion diced1 carrot, shredded3 tomatoes, diced½ cup white wine1 cup sour cream3 cloves garlic, pressed½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Garnish¼ cup chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice by simmering it in broth with salt until liquid is absorbed. Fluff and set aside.In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onions until golden. Add carrots and cook for 5 to 10 more minutes. Stir in tomatoes and garlic, cover, and cook until softened. Let cool.Wash mini peppers, slice off tops, and remove seeds.In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, raw ground beef, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika.Stuff the hollowed mini peppers tightly with the beef-rice mixture. Arrange snugly in a 9x12-inch baking dish.Pour hot seasoned broth into the dish around the peppers, filling halfway up the sides. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.Uncover, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.For optional sauce, sauté onion and carrot, then add tomatoes, garlic, and wine. Cook until softened. Stir in sour cream, simmer to thicken, and season to taste.Serve stuffed peppers topped with creamy tomato sauce or sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley.

Notes

You can make the stuffing mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before filling the peppers.
Mini peppers can be swapped for larger sweet peppers if halved and trimmed.
Leftovers reheat well and can also be frozen in airtight containers.
If skipping the sauce, serve with a side of yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast.