Mediterranean Ground Beef & Feta Stuffed Peppers with Lemon-Herb Oil
Mediterranean Beef & Feta Stuffed Peppers mix savory beef, fluffy rice, tangy feta, and herbs, topped with lemon-herb oil. This nutritious, flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a vibrant twist on a comfort food classic.
Mediterranean Ground Beef & Feta Stuffed Peppers | Easy Stuffed Peppers with Rice & Ground Beef
DifficultyEasy
Servings4
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time33 minutes
Total time50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (deseeded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Lemon-Herb Oil:
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Lightly brush them with olive oil and arrange in a baking dish.
- 2
Cook the Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley.
- Squeeze in lemon juice, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
- 3
Stuff & Bake the Peppers
- Evenly spoon the beef mixture into each pepper half.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, allowing the tops to brown.
- 4
Make the Lemon-Herb Oil
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Drizzle over the baked stuffed peppers before serving.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon for stuffing peppers
Recipe Notes and Variations
Recipe Notes for the Best Stuffed Peppers
✔ Choosing the Right Bell Peppers
- Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter and pair well with Mediterranean flavors.
- Green bell peppers have a slightly bitter taste, giving a more savory balance to the filling.
- Make sure the peppers are firm and stand upright so they hold the filling well.
✔ To Parboil or Not to Parboil?
- If you like soft, tender stuffed peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before stuffing.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, bake them raw as the recipe suggests.
✔ How to Avoid Soggy Peppers
- Avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. Drain any excess tomato juices before mixing.
- Don’t overbake—baking covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes keeps them just right.
✔ Enhancing the Filling Flavor
- Adding a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to the filling gives it a slightly tangy depth.
- Toasting the rice in the pan with the beef before adding it to the filling enhances the flavor.
✔ Can You Make These Ahead?
- Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking.
- You can also freeze unbaked stuffed peppers for up to 2 months and bake them straight from frozen (just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time).
Variations of Mediterranean Beef & Feta Stuffed Peppers
1. Protein Swaps
✔ Lamb-Stuffed Peppers
- Swap ground beef for ground lamb to create a Greek-style stuffed pepper with deeper, earthy flavors.
✔ Turkey or Chicken-Stuffed Peppers
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative while keeping the Mediterranean spices the same.
✔ Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
- Replace the ground beef with chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
✔ Seafood Variation
- Try shrimp and feta stuffed peppers, adding chopped shrimp into the filling for a Mediterranean seafood twist.
2. Different Grain & Carb-Free Options
✔ Low-Carb or Keto Stuffed Peppers
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or finely chopped zucchini to make a low-carb or keto version.
✔ Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
- Replace the rice with quinoa for a higher protein, gluten-free grain that soaks up flavors beautifully.
✔ Farro or Bulgur Wheat-Stuffed Peppers
- These ancient grains add a nutty chewiness to the filling.
✔ Stuffed Peppers without Rice
- If you want to skip the grains altogether, simply add extra beef, mushrooms, or chopped eggplant for volume.
3. Cheese and Topping Variations
✔ Alternative Cheeses
- If you’re not a fan of feta, swap it for goat cheese, shredded Parmesan, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Use halloumi cheese crumbles for a firmer, salty bite that holds its shape when baked.
✔ Crunchy Toppings
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) on top before baking for added texture.
✔ Extra Garnishes
- Add sliced olives or capers for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt on top makes for a creamy contrast to the warm, savory filling.
4. Different Cooking Methods
✔ Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
- Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until the peppers are tender and lightly charred.
✔ Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
- Place stuffed peppers in a slow cooker with ½ cup of vegetable broth and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
✔ Grilled Stuffed Peppers
- Pre-roast the peppers on the grill for 5 minutes before filling.
- After stuffing, wrap each pepper in foil and grill for 10-15 minutes.
5. Side Dishes That Pair Well with Stuffed Peppers
✔ Classic Mediterranean Sides
- Greek Salad – A crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
- Tzatziki Sauce – A cool and creamy dip that balances the warm spices.
- Hummus & Pita – A great way to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
✔ Comforting Grains & Legumes
- Couscous or Orzo Pasta – Light and fluffy grains that absorb any extra lemon-herb oil.
- Lentil Soup – Adds more protein and fiber to round out the meal.
✔ Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus bring a smoky, charred contrast.
✔ Bread Pairings
- Serve with warm pita, garlic naan, or a crusty baguette for scooping up any extra filling or sauce.
6. Storing & Reheating Stuffed Peppers
✔ How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fully cooked stuffed peppers for up to 2 months.
✔ How to Reheat Without Losing Flavor
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy top.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Peppers Recipe
✔ Easy & Meal Prep-Friendly: A great stuffed peppers meal that can be made ahead of time.
✔ Balanced & Nutritious: A high-protein meal with healthy carbs and fiber.
✔ Full of Mediterranean Flavor: The lemon-herb oil, feta, and spices create a bold, fresh taste.
✔ Customizable & Adaptable: Works with different proteins, grains, and cooking methods.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
This stuffed peppers recipe with rice and ground beef is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean flavors, easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve guests. Try it today for a flavor-packed, satisfying dish!
Nutrition
| Calories | 410 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 12g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind Stuffed Peppers
Where Did Stuffed Peppers Originate?
The concept of stuffing vegetables has existed for centuries across multiple cultures. From Middle Eastern dolmas to Spanish pimientos rellenos, the idea of stuffed peppers has evolved into a global comfort dish.
This particular stuffed peppers oven recipe takes inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, incorporating fresh ingredients like feta cheese, garlic, parsley, and lemon—a staple combination in Greek and Turkish cooking.
Traditional stuffed peppers with rice and ground beef are often tomato-based, but this recipe infuses citrus and herbs to create a lighter, refreshing twist while still keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
The Art of Cooking the Best Stuffed Peppers
✔ Choosing the Right Peppers
- Use large bell peppers that are sturdy and stand upright to hold the filling properly.
- Red, yellow, or orange peppers add a natural sweetness that enhances the dish.
- Green peppers offer a more savory and slightly bitter flavor.
✔ Parboiling vs. Baking the Peppers
- Some recipes parboil the peppers for 3-4 minutes before stuffing them, which softens them slightly.
- This recipe bakes the peppers directly, allowing them to absorb all the Mediterranean flavors while maintaining a firm texture.
✔ Perfectly Seasoned Ground Beef
- Sautéing onions, garlic, and spices with ground beef before stuffing ensures deep flavor.
- A splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar helps balance the richness.
✔ Balancing the Texture with Rice & Feta
- Rice adds a hearty texture, making the dish more filling.
- Crumbled feta cheese melts slightly, creating a creamy contrast against the beef and rice.
✔ Enhancing the Flavor with Lemon-Herb Oil
- Drizzling the finished peppers with olive oil infused with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley gives a bright, fresh Mediterranean touch.
Why This Stuffed Peppers Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
✔ Weeknight Dinners: A quick and easy meal that can be prepped ahead of time.
✔ Meal Prep-Friendly: These stuffed peppers with rice and ground beef store well, making them ideal for make-ahead lunches.
✔ Great for Entertaining: The vibrant colors and bold Mediterranean flavors make this dish perfect for serving guests.
✔ Nutritious & Balanced: A high-protein, fiber-rich meal packed with healthy fats from olive oil.
