Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef, Rice, and Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all the seeds and membranes carefully to create hollow shells for stuffing.
- Cook the Rice: Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions until tender. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed bell peppers, filling them generously but without overpacking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tops of each stuffed pepper.
- 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.
- 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
