Classic Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers
A comforting, protein-packed classic featuring tender baked bell peppers stuffed with savory lean ground beef, rice, and fresh spinach. Topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, joint-supporting dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Total
55 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthEveryday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Total
55 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
The filling can be made up to two days in advance and kept in the fridge, making the final assembly and baking incredibly fast on busy weeknights.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- 2Prep cups fresh baby spinach (chopped)
- 3Set out all ingredients before cooking
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 375°F
- 01
Preheat your oven to 375°F
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Place the halved bell peppers cut-side up…
Place the halved bell peppers cut-side up in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and pre-bake for 15 minutes to slightly soften them.
Allow: 15 minutes
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat…
While the peppers bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
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Cook the beef until browned and cooked…
Cook the beef until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Look for: browned and cooked through
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Stir the chopped baby spinach into the…
Stir the chopped baby spinach into the skillet and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Remove the pan from the heat, then gently stir in the cooked white rice and half of the plain tomato sauce.
Look for: wilted
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Remove the peppers from the oven and…
Remove the peppers from the oven and carefully spoon the beef and rice filling into each half. Top the stuffed peppers evenly with the remaining tomato sauce and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes
Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the peppers have reached your preferred tenderness.
Look for: the cheese is melted and bubbling and the peppers have reached your preferred tenderness
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