Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef, Rice, and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed bell peppers make a satisfying and flavorful meal all in one. The peppers become tender while holding their shape, filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese for a hearty finish.

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, then set the peppers aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, sauté the chopped onion in a pan until translucent, then add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the ground beef mixture. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Step 4: Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill them completely. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a vibrant presentation and varied flavors.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Add chopped herbs like parsley or basil into the filling for extra freshness.
• For a spicier dish, mix in some chili flakes or diced jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, covering to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?

Absolutely. Freeze the stuffed peppers without baking, wrapped tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef, Rice, and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 83 reviews

Delicious and hearty stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory ground beef and rice mixture, topped with melted cheese. The peppers are tender yet retain their shape, making this dish a perfect all-in-one meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavorful goodness.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 onion, finely chopped

Meat and Dairy

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Grains and Legumes

• 1 cup uncooked rice

Other

• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all the seeds and membranes carefully to create hollow shells for stuffing.
2. Cook the Rice: Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions until tender. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Meat and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion softened. Drain any excess fat.
4. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion mixture with the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Stir well to integrate all flavors.
5. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed bell peppers, filling them generously but without overpacking.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tops of each stuffed pepper.
7. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the stuffing to firm up slightly.

Notes

• You can use any color bell peppers depending on your preference or availability.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste; adding chili flakes can give a spicy kick.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef recipe, baked stuffed peppers, healthy dinner, one-pan meal