Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Introduction

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice is a classic comfort food that combines hearty, savory flavors with the natural sweetness of bell peppers. Tender bell peppers are filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, and herbs, then baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. The result is a balanced, filling, and visually appealing dish that works for both family dinners and special occasions.

This recipe is not only satisfying but also nutritious, as it combines protein, fiber, and vegetables in one dish. It’s a wonderful way to make a meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s versatile, wholesome, and delicious. The peppers are slightly sweet, the filling is savory and flavorful, and the cheese on top melts perfectly into a golden crust. It’s a dish that’s fun to prepare and presents beautifully on the table.

The beauty of stuffed peppers is that they are easily customizable—you can switch up the protein, grains, or spices to suit your taste. It’s also a one-dish meal that doesn’t require complex side dishes.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Balanced and filling – combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in one.
• Family-friendly – a meal that both kids and adults enjoy.
• Customizable – adjust fillings and seasonings to your preference.
• Impressive presentation – looks great on the dinner table.

Recipe Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~350–400 per stuffed pepper (varies with cheese and portion size)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
• Course: Main Dish, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 4–6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or long grain)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Topping:

• ½–1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Optional: a drizzle of tomato sauce

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare bell peppers by cutting tops and removing seeds.
2. Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Mix cooked rice and tomatoes into beef mixture.
4. Stuff each pepper with filling, place in a baking dish, and top with cheese.
5. Bake until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Lightly brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Set aside in a baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until combined and heated through.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, filling them generously.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with foil.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Optional: drizzle with extra tomato sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green side for a complete meal.
• Can be plated individually for a family-style dinner or buffet.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Choose peppers that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Lightly parboil peppers for 5 minutes if you prefer softer texture.
• Leftover filling can be used in tacos, wraps, or casseroles.
• Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor and gooeyness.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use cooked quinoa or lentils instead of beef.
• Spicy: Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling.
• Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap beef for a leaner protein option.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual stuffed peppers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking dish large enough to hold 4–6 peppers
• Skillet or frying pan for cooking filling
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)

Conclusion

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice is a wholesome, hearty, and visually stunning meal that combines savory, flavorful filling with tender, sweet peppers. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit any taste. The combination of protein, grains, and vegetables in a single dish makes it not only delicious but balanced and satisfying.

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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 4 Calories: 400 per stuffed pepper

Description

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice is a classic comfort food that combines hearty, savory flavors with the natural sweetness of bell peppers. Tender bell peppers are filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, and herbs, then baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Peppers:

• 4 large 4–6 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or long grain)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Topping:

• 1 cup ½– shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Optional: a drizzle of tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Set aside in a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Filling : Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until combined and heated through.
3. Step 3: Stuff the Peppers : Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, filling them generously. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
4. Step 4: Bake : Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
5. Step 5: Serve : Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: drizzle with extra tomato sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Keywords: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice