Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe

The vibrant colors of stuffed bell peppers filled to the brim with savory ground beef and melted cheese are enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like an inviting hug, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is not just food; it’s a warm invitation to gather around the table and share stories after a long day.

I still remember the first time I made these delightful treats for my family. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when we needed something comforting and hearty. As I pulled them out of the oven, I swear I heard angels singing. You can enjoy this dish at casual family dinners or festive gatherings; it always steals the show.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these stuffed bell peppers were during our last potluck gathering.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful peppers for a vibrant presentation and a deliciously sweet crunch.
• Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy filling without being overly greasy.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; finely chop it for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; use more if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly here, adding texture and bulk to the stuffing.

For the Toppings:

• Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite melting cheese—mozzarella or cheddar works great!
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil brightens up the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove seeds—like giving them a little haircut!

Sauté the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions until they turn translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute should do it!

Add Ground Beef: Crank up that heat! Add in your ground beef and cook until browned completely. Drain excess fat if needed—nobody likes soggy stuffing!

Mix in Rice and Seasonings: Stir in cooked rice along with salt, pepper, and any other spices you love—Italian seasoning is my go-to! Remove from heat once everything is combined.

Stuff Those Peppers!: Generously fill each bell pepper with the savory mixture prepared earlier. Top with shredded cheese for extra indulgence!

Bake & Enjoy!: Place your filled peppers upright in a baking dish with a splash of water at the bottom (this keeps them moist). Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until tender and bubbly—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Now that you have your delicious stuffed bell peppers ready to go, get ready for compliments as everyone digs into this mouthwatering meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the filling. Sauté the ground beef and vegetables, then stuff the mixture into the bell peppers before baking to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based alternative. You can also add cheese on top before baking for a gooey, indulgent finish or mix in quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my mother’s kitchen, where every Sunday was stuffed pepper day. Family gathered around the table, laughter and stories mingling with that mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air.

FAQ

Can I use other meats for stuffed bell peppers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as alternatives to ground beef.

How do I prevent soggy bell peppers?

To avoid sogginess, choose firm bell peppers and do not overcook them before stuffing.

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the delightful flavors of these easy-to-make stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheese—perfect for any family dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Increase heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, draining excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in cooked rice, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Remove from heat.
5. Fill each pepper generously with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
6. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (approximately 220g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider using quinoa instead of rice or swapping ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative. To prevent sogginess, select firm bell peppers and avoid overcooking them before stuffing.