Ground Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup cooked rice (optional); 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)

Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers! They are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory beef, vibrant spinach, and aromatic spices, all encased in a juicy bell pepper. When I make these for dinner, my family can't resist going back for seconds. Plus, they are pretty easy to whip up and can be customized with various ingredients based on what I have on hand. It's a meal I feel good about serving!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-30T20:22:27.476Z

When I first tried stuffed peppers, I was amazed at how such a simple dish could be so comforting. The smoky flavor of the beef paired with the earthiness of spinach creates a satisfying balance. I love to add a sprinkle of cheese on top for that extra melty goodness, which elevates the whole dish.

Preparing these peppers is also a fun activity! I often involve my kids in the process, letting them scoop the filling into the peppers. It's a great way to introduce them to both cooking and healthy eating. Plus, I’ve learned that pre-cooking the filling makes the peppers so much tastier!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of flavors between savory beef and fresh spinach
Colorful presentation that makes dinner exciting
Easily adaptable with any leftover vegetables or grains

Selecting the Right Peppers

Choosing the perfect bell peppers is crucial for the success of this dish. Look for large, firm peppers without blemishes, as they will hold up better during baking. If you're unsure about the flavors, feel free to experiment with different colors; red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers offer a slightly more savory bite.

Don't forget to consider the size of your peppers as well. Smaller peppers can make for great appetizers or side dishes, while larger ones are ideal for a hearty meal. If you're serving a crowd, consider using a mix of sizes for variety, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the size of each pepper.

Enhancing the Filling

The filling for these stuffed peppers is incredibly versatile, and you can enhance its flavor profile by incorporating additional ingredients. For a spicy kick, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will infuse the beef mixture with warmth without overwhelming the dish.

For vegetarian options, you can swap the ground beef with lentils or quinoa, keeping the cooked rice as a base for texture. This not only makes the dish more nutritious but also adds variety. If you have leftover cooked vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms, chop them finely and mix them into the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.

Perfecting the Bake

Baking time and temperature are key to achieving that tender yet intact bell pepper. While you should cover the peppers with foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture, make sure to uncover them for the last 5-10 minutes. This will help the cheese melt beautifully and develop those lovely golden edges that are so satisfying.

If you prefer a firmer pepper, you might want to reduce the initial covered baking time to 20 minutes. Conversely, if you want them softer, extend it by an additional 5 minutes. Always check for doneness by piercing a pepper with a fork; it should glide through easily but not be mushy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Stuffed Peppers Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked rice (optional)
1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious stuffed peppers:

Prep the Peppers

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

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Mix in the chopped spinach, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Assemble the Peppers

If using, mix in the cooked rice into the beef mixture. Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the filling, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake

Pour a little water into the bottom of the baking dish and cover the stuffed peppers with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add diced tomatoes or your favorite spices to the beef mixture. You can also swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with extra stuffed peppers, they store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the texture of the peppers and avoid sogginess, unlike microwaving.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They're best used within three months. To bake from frozen, simply add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a light side salad, which can balance the richness of the beef and cheese. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, serve them over a bed of quinoa or couscous to capture the delicious juices.

If you're hosting a dinner party, consider offering a variety of toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream on the side, allowing guests to customize their peppers. You could also serve them with a zesty salsa for an added layer of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the peppers and bake when you're ready.

→ What if I have leftover stuffing?

You can store any extra stuffing in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach?

Yes! Kale, zucchini, or even chopped mushrooms can be great alternatives.

→ Are stuffed peppers healthy?

Yes! They are packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the vegetables, making them a wholesome meal option.