Ingredients
- 1 pound (mince) beef
- 1 cup (cooked) rice
- 2 onion(s)
- 2 carrot(s)
- 3 tomato(es)
- 3 garlic
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 (big) bell pepper(s)
- 6 tablespoons (3 for serving) greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste fresh cracked pepper
Recipe video
Watch the Beef Stuffed Peppers recipe video first:
Recipe steps
Step 1. Prepare vegetables5 minutes Peel and grate carrots, cut onions and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan. |
Step 2. Saute vegetables5 minutes Add onions, carrots, and garlic to a pan, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Cook until softened. |
Step 3. Prepare tomato sauce3 minutes Chop the tomatoes roughly, add a little water, and transfer them to a food processor. Use a blender or food processor to smooth the mixture into a sauce. Set aside. |
Step 4. Prepare and Blanch Peppers10 minutes Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Blanch the bell peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and let them cool. (Using ice water bath after blanching is optional). |
Step 5. Make filling and stuff peppers10 minutes Mix the cooked rice and beef with the sautéed carrots, onions, and garlic. Stuff each blanched pepper with the filling, pressing lightly so the filling sits snugly inside, then arrange the peppers upright in the pot. |
Step 6. Finish and cook peppers30 minutes Transfer peppers to a big pot and add tomato sauce, water and 3 tablespoons of Greek Yogurt, cover peppers with hats. And cook peppers for 25-40 minutes until pepper and filling are cooked through. (You can check if a pepper is cooked through by inserting a fork). |
Step 7. Serve1 minute Serve 1 pepper on a plate with Greek Yogurt. Your Beef Stuffed Peppers are ready. Enjoy! |
About the Recipe + FAQ
Beef Stuffed Peppers with Greek Yogurt Mediterranean recipe is a dish that combines the heartiness of beef and rice with the light, refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean.
Bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of minced beef, rice, vegetables, and tomatoes, then cooked until tender and served with a cool spoonful of Greek yogurt.
This Mediterranean stuffed peppers recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party.
The peppers serve as vibrant little cups, and the creamy yogurt on the side balances the richness of the beef filling.
Which season is this recipe best for?
Beef and rice stuffed peppers taste their best in late summer and early fall when bell peppers and tomatoes are naturally at their sweetest.
Seasonal produce makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
But, if you want to make them during colder months, these Mediterranean stuffed peppers become the kind of comfort food that warms the kitchen and fills it with tomato aromas.
Where can I buy the ingredients for this recipe?
Everything needed for this beef stuffed peppers recipe is easy to find.
Ground beef is available in every supermarket or butcher shop, while rice can be cooked fresh or used from leftovers.
Onions, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes are pantry staples, and bell peppers can be bought all year round.
Greek yogurt is easy to find in most dairy aisles, and olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking.
Choose peppers that are firm and glossy; they will taste the best and have a great presentation.
Can I substitute the ingredients in this recipe?
This recipe is flexible.
Minced lamb, turkey, or chicken can replace the beef.
For a vegetarian twist, lentils or mushrooms can be used to create a hearty filling.
Rice can be swapped for quinoa, bulgur, buckwheat, or even cauliflower rice is a great substitution.
Sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative can be used instead of Greek yogurt.
Zucchini or eggplant halves can also be filled with the same beef and rice stuffing if peppers are not available.
Can I make this recipe part of a menu?
Beef stuffed peppers with Greek yogurt can be the centerpiece of a Mediterranean meal.
A simple Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad, Cabbage Cucumber Salad, Mediterranean Tomato Salad, or any other Salads can make a refreshing starter.
Quick and Easy Vegetable Ragout or Quiche can accompany the peppers.
For dessert, a small serving of honey-drizzled Greek yogurt with walnuts offers a light finish, while Apple Cinnamon Cake can be a great option, too. Blueberry Crostata is another choice to finish your dinner.
Which drinks would you pair it with?
A medium-bodied red such as Dão or Alentejo enhances the richness of the beef, while a crisp Vinho Verde pairs well if you prefer young wine.
For a non-alcoholic option, you can serve sparkling water with lemon or chilled mint tea, keeping the Mediterranean theme alive and refreshing.
How long can I store this recipe leftovers?
Beef stuffed peppers store well, making them ideal for meal prep.
Once cooled, they can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
They also freeze well – cover the container and place it in a freezer bag for up to one month.
You can gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
Recipe tips & tricks
Here are my tips on how to make this recipe amazing:
- Cook the rice ahead of time to keep the filling light and prevent sogginess. I show you how to cook rice for the perfect texture and use a masher to get rid of excess liquid in my Video Live Cooking 147 – so be sure to check it out.
- Sauté the vegetables before adding the beef to develop a deeper flavor.
- Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. The blanching method softens the peppers slightly, making them easier to stuff and ensuring they cook evenly without turning mushy.
- Season each layer gradually instead of only at the end to create a balanced taste.
- Avoid packing the peppers too tightly, as the filling expands slightly during cooking.
- Add the Greek yogurt just before serving to keep it creamy and refreshing.
Enjoy this Mediterranean Beef Stuffed Peppers with Greek Yogurt recipe, where simple ingredients come together for a comforting, flavorful meal.
The sweetness of the peppers, the hearty beef and rice filling, and the creamy yogurt topping create a balanced dish that works for any occasion.
It’s colorful, nourishing, and full of flavor, making it a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation. Let me know if you make any adjustments!
