I know firsthand how tricky weeknights can get when dinner needs to come together fast but still feel warm and satisfying. That’s exactly when my Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats become the go-to meal at our house. One evening, after a long day of juggling work and family, I pulled this dish together with ingredients I had on hand. The result wasn’t just reliable—it was a full-on crowd-pleaser that everyone asked for again.
What I love about Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats is how they make familiar ingredients feel fun and special without any complicated steps. Bell peppers filled with a tasty mix of rice, veggies, and occasionally ground meat come out perfectly tender and colorful every time. Whether you’re aiming for a vegetarian rice stuffed peppers version or a ground meat stuffed peppers take, this dish is incredibly adaptable and comforting.
If you’re a home cook like me, you’ll appreciate how Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats can easily fit into everyday cooking without requiring a special trip to the store. It’s exactly the kind of baked stuffed peppers recipe that brings a sense of home to the table. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a family meal without a fuss.
I often make this dish when I want something hearty yet fresh, and it delivers every time. If you’re looking for an easy stuffed bell peppers option that won’t let you down, I hope this recipe becomes one of your quick favorites too. Cooking friends, you’re going to like how dependable this one is.
What You’ll Need:

- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
No worries if you only have green peppers—I often use a mix of colors for visual appeal.
Find these in the produce aisle all year round. - 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
You can swap in quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a lighter texture.
Cooking extra rice ahead is a great prep shortcut. - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Canned diced tomatoes work great and keep this stuffed bell pepper rice boats recipe budget-friendly. - 1 small onion, finely chopped
I like adding a bit more onion for extra flavor. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic powder is fine if you’re in a pinch. - 1 cup cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) or plant-based substitute
For vegetarian rice stuffed peppers, just add extra veggies or beans here. - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Feel free to skip or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist. - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
This gives a simple, familiar flavor without effort. - Salt and pepper, to taste
A must for bringing the stuffing together. - 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
For sautéing and keeping costs reasonable. - Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick
If you have leftover stuffing, store it covered in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3 days. These Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats reheat well in the oven or microwave—great for busy cooking friends.
This ingredient list keeps things straightforward, so you don’t need a separate trip to an exotic market. Whether you lean toward ground meat stuffed peppers or a vegetarian version, these simple swaps help you make the best stuffed bell pepper rice boats suited to your pantry and taste buds.
If you’re interested, you might also enjoy another cozy veggie dish like my Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash, which uses similar seasoning ideas and comforting feelings.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
This temperature works perfectly for tender bell peppers and bubbling cheese. - Prepare your bell peppers.
Slice off the tops, scoop out the seeds, and give them a quick rinse. Set aside so they’re ready to fill. - Cook the rice if you haven’t already.
I usually do this while prepping the veggies so no time is wasted. From start to finish, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats takes about 45 minutes total. - Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
Your kitchen will start to smell amazing here—this is when you know your stuffed bell pepper rice boats are coming alive. - Add the ground meat (or veggie protein) and cook until browned and cooked through.
Don’t rush this step—it really boosts flavor and texture. - Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything really well. If the filling looks dry, a splash of broth or water can help. - Fill your bell peppers tightly with the mixture.
Don’t worry if they look packed—it’s supposed to be hearty. - Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
If they wobble, trimming a tiny slice off the bottom can help them stand straight. - Sprinkle cheese generously on top of each pepper.
I like to add a little extra cheese for that irresistibly melty finish. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After that, remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and peppers are tender but not mushy.
While your Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats are in the oven, take a moment to prep a simple salad or set the table. Trust me, these little multitasking tips help your meal feel complete without extra stress.
If you prefer a vegetarian rice stuffed peppers version, skip the meat and add chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils to your filling. One time, I tried a twist inspired by a different take on stuffed peppers from the r/Cooking community, and it was a hit!
For a quicker shortcut, you can make these Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats ahead, store them in the fridge, and bake right before dinner. It’s a real lifesaver on busy nights.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually serve these Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. The freshness balances the richness inside the peppers perfectly. Steamed broccoli or a simple slaw also pairs wonderfully.
When friends come over, this dish makes for a satisfying yet colorful centerpiece that everyone appreciates. It’s great for cooler months when you want something cozy but still fresh.
For presentation, I like to arrange the Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats on a platter, spooning a little extra sauce or salsa on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch without extra effort.
Leftover Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats reheat well for lunch or next-day dinner. You can also chop them up and mix into an easy rice bowl with some greens and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
Looking for seasonal variation? When tomatoes are at their peak in summer, using fresh instead of canned brightens this dish up nicely. During fall, swapping in some cooked butternut squash or sweet potato chunks in your stuffing creates wonderful warmth. If you want more inspiration, try my honey sriracha chicken rice bowls for a flavor-packed twist on the rice boat concept.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often prepare the filling and stuff the peppers the day before. Keep them refrigerated, then bake when you’re ready. It saves time and keeps flavors rich.
What’s a good substitute for ground meat in this recipe?
I’ve used chopped mushrooms, cooked lentils, or crumbled tofu with great success. For a vegan take, check out Carla Hall’s Easy Vegan Stuffed Peppers Recipe for nice plant-based ideas.
How do I adjust this Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats for more or fewer people?
Count one bell pepper per person as a general rule. You can double or halve the filling easily; just keep the cooking time similar. If making for a crowd, baking in batches works well.
My bell peppers are too big/small. Will that change cooking?
Bigger peppers might need a few extra minutes, while smaller ones will cook faster. Keep an eye on tenderness to avoid mushy peppers.
Can I freeze Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats?
Yes. After baking, cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Reheat from frozen in the oven; adjust time accordingly.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Simple salads, roasted veggies, or steamed greens work well. For more variety, try my easy yaki onigiri grilled rice balls on the side for a fun contrast.
How do I stop the peppers from being soggy?
Don’t overcook them. Keep foil on for most of the time to lock in moisture, then remove for just the last 10-15 minutes so they stay tender yet crisp.
If you want to explore ground meat stuffed peppers with a slow cooker, there’s a great community recipe on Facebook with helpful tips.
Final Thoughts:

Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats hold a special place in my recipe collection because they bring reliable comfort without needing a fuss in the kitchen. They’ve become my secret weapon when I want a wholesome meal with minimal stress.
My Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats Tips:
1. Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics—it makes a big flavor difference.
2. Pack the peppers tightly for perfect texture.
3. Use a mix of cheese for melty, golden topping.
I’ve tested vegetarian rice stuffed peppers, ground meat stuffed peppers, and even a cheesy vegan version inspired by some online favorites—the ground meat version still gets requested most around here.
If you want to make this dish your own, swap the fillings or cheese to suit your taste. The beauty of Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats is how easy they are to customize yet still feel homey and satisfying.
I hope your kitchen fills with the same wonderful smells mine does when these peppers are baking. Cooking friends, give this dish a try and let it become one of your everyday reliable meals.
If you love this Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats, your family might also enjoy the hearty Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash or the flavor-packed Honey Sriracha Chicken Rice Bowls I’ve shared before. For more fun rice ideas, check out my Easy Yaki Onigiri Grilled Rice Balls too.
Happy cooking!
Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats
Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with savory rice, vegetables, and melted cheese create a colorful and healthy meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Place bell pepper halves in a baking dish and spoon the rice mixture into each pepper evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over each stuffed pepper.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
For added protein, mix in cooked ground turkey or beef with the rice filling before stuffing the peppers.

