Stuffed Peppers in Rich Homemade Tomato Sauce

Stuffed peppers are one of those classic comfort foods that never go out of style. They are hearty, flavorful, filling, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender peppers, seasoned rice, and juicy ground beef slowly simmering in rich tomato sauce creates a dish that feels homemade in the very best way.

What You’ll Need

For the peppers:

• 8 medium bell peppers in assorted colors
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 large tomatoes, grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chicken soup mix or bouillon powder

How to Make It

Cut the tops off the peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes from inside.

Heat oil in a large wide pot or deep sauté pan and cook the onion until soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Stir in the rice, tomato paste, parsley or cilantro, and all the spices. Mix well, then remove from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Fill each pepper almost to the top, but do not pack the filling too tightly since the rice will expand while cooking.

Prepare the Sauce

In a wide pot, heat the oil and add the grated tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.

Add the water, sugar, spices, and chicken soup mix, then bring to a gentle simmer. The small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Arrange the stuffed peppers tightly inside the pot and spoon some of the sauce over the tops.

Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Optional Finishing Touch

For extra flavor and slight browning, place the pot uncovered in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes at the end of cooking.

It is best to let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can fully settle and absorb.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers are delicious served with:

• Tahini
• Fresh Israeli salad
• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

The rich tomato sauce and tender filling make this the kind of comforting family recipe people come back to again and again.