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Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef

Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef

Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal combining tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, cooked rice, and spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs. The recipe is family-friendly, versatile, and requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 fresh firm bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Sauces

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or your choice: quinoa, cauliflower rice)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Optional for Cooking

  • 12 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the hollowed peppers aside for stuffing later.
  2. Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the lean ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
  3. Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Let it simmer briefly to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded cheese to create a melty, golden finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.

Notes

  • Choose firm peppers: Fresh, firm bell peppers hold their shape and texture well after baking.
  • Don’t overfill: Leave some space at the top of the peppers to prevent filling overflow during baking.
  • Use pre-cooked rice: Using cooked and cooled rice speeds up preparation and prevents soggy filling.
  • Add moisture carefully: Use tomato sauce sparingly to keep filling juicy but not watery.
  • Rest before serving: Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly after baking so flavors settle and filling firms up.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, ground beef, quick dinner, family-friendly, one pan meal, baked peppers, easy recipe