Cheesy Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers

Name: Cheesy Meatloaf 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 lb ground beef; 1 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)

Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Cheesy Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers for my family. This recipe combines tender bell peppers with a hearty meatloaf mixture, all topped with gooey cheese for a comforting meal. It's hearty, satisfying, and filled with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. I enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and adding a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Each pepper is a perfect individual serving, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:29:27.313Z

When I first made these Cheesy Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers, I was amazed at how easy and delicious they turned out! The balance of flavors between the seasoned ground beef and the sweetness of the peppers creates a delightful bite. I always recommend baking them covered for the first part of the cooking time to ensure that the peppers remain tender and flavorful.

One tip I found particularly helpful is to parboil the peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them. This ensures they cook evenly and have a nice, soft texture, allowing the cheesy meatloaf filling to shine through. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously cheesy and savory filling
Perfectly tender bell peppers
Versatile recipe – customize with your favorite meat and spices
Easily reheatable for leftovers!

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, consider their ripeness and color. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers offer a more bitter flavor. Ensure that the peppers are firm and free of blemishes. If you want a bit of heat, you could even substitute one or two of the peppers with spicy varieties like poblano or jalapeño, depending on your family's tolerance for spice.

To ensure the peppers can stand upright, trim the bottom slightly if they tend to wobble. This small adjustment can make a world of difference during baking, keeping the filling intact and preventing any mess.

Meatloaf Mixture Mastery

The beauty of the meatloaf filling lies in its versatility. While this recipe calls for ground beef, feel free to swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein. Just ensure that the fat content is suitable for the desired texture - lean meats may require the addition of a binding agent like an extra egg or some shredded cheese to maintain moisture.

Don't forget the role of bread crumbs; they act as a binder and absorb moisture from the mixture, ensuring a tender outcome. If you’re out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can be excellent substitutes, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

Serving and Storing Tips

These stuffed peppers are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, topped with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. However, they store exceptionally well; cool the leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, cover them with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much while ensuring they heat through evenly.

For serving variations, consider accompanying the peppers with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs over the top right before serving for an aromatic finish.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. If desired, parboil the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften them slightly.

Make the Meatloaf Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper with the meat mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

Add Sauce and Bake

Pour marinara sauce over the filled peppers and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add more mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add any of your favorite vegetables into the meat mixture for added nutrition!

Customizing Your Filling

Experimenting with the meatloaf filling can lead to delightful surprises. Adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach not only enhances the nutrients but also brings added moisture and flavor to your dish. If you enjoy a kick, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce mixed into the filling can enliven the overall flavor profile.

Herbs and spices are your friends here. Consider including fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh aroma, or substituting the oregano with Italian seasoning for a more complex depth of flavor. Remember, it’s all about what suits your taste preferences!

Ingredient Considerations

The cheese is essential for that gooey, comforting topping. If you're looking to cut down on calories, opt for part-skim cheese or use a smaller amount while adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the extra fat. If you're vegan, you can use a combination of cashew cream and nutritional yeast to mimic the richness of cheese.

Keep in mind that marinara sauce can greatly influence the final flavor of the dish. A homemade sauce can bring an unmatched freshness; however, ensure that any store-bought varieties are low in sugar and sodium to maintain healthier levels. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce can enhance the flavor further if your family enjoys a touch of heat.

Making It Ahead

If you want to prep this meal in advance, you can prepare the meatloaf filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, stuff the peppers and bake as instructed. This can help in managing busy weeknights while still serving a hearty meal.

Alternatively, you can fully assemble the stuffed peppers before baking and store them in the fridge overnight. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the refrigerator, ensuring they are heated properly throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these stuffed peppers in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?

The stuffed peppers are done when the meat is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The peppers should also be tender.