Catchy introduction with the focus keyphrase in the first 10% of the content. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day—stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef bubbling away in the oven is pure comfort food magic! Each bite bursts with flavor as tender bell peppers cradle a savory filling that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re juggling chores while trying to whip up something delicious for your loved ones. Enter stuffed bell peppers! This dish transforms humble ingredients into a colorful feast that’ll have everyone fighting over the last one. Trust me; once you make this recipe, it’ll become an instant family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These stuffed bell peppers are quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners hassle-free
- Packed full of flavors, they’re visually appealing and perfect for meal prep or special occasions
- You can easily customize fillings to suit any dietary needs or preferences
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe. My kids always fight over who gets the biggest stuffed pepper; it’s always a hilarious dinner battle!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors—red, yellow, or green—for a stunning presentation and sweet flavor.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor in your stuffing.
- Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works great here; it absorbs all those delicious flavors from the filling.
- Onion: Finely dice fresh onions; they add sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an irresistible aroma that elevates this dish to another level.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and tanginess to balance out the richness of the beef.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese on top adds gooey goodness; choose mozzarella or cheddar for best results.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning and salt enhance flavor without overpowering the natural taste of ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking when you pop those peppers in later.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil before tossing in diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
Add Ground Beef: Stir in the ground beef until browned completely. Break it apart as it cooks so every bit gets that lovely sear.
Mix In Rice and Tomatoes: Fold in cooked rice along with diced tomatoes into your skillet mixture. Stir well so everything combines beautifully together.
Season Generously: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while stirring everything together until it’s well-seasoned and aromatic.
Stuff Those Peppers!: Carefully slice tops off each bell pepper; remove seeds inside. Fill them generously with your flavorful mixture until they’re overflowing slightly.
Bake Until Tender: Arrange stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes before removing foil to melt cheese on top for an additional 10 minutes.
Enjoy making these delightful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and ground beef! They are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
You Must Know
- Stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef are a colorful, hearty dish that fills you up while pleasing your eyes
- The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone flocking to the kitchen for seconds
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the ground beef first for flavor, then mix in cooked rice and spices before stuffing bell peppers.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add black beans for extra protein and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose firm, vibrant bell peppers for stuffing; they hold up better during cooking
- Don’t overstuff them; leave room for expansion
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for added flavor depth
Memories flood back each time I make stuffed bell peppers, especially when my kids beg me to add extra cheese on top!
FAQ
Can I use other meats for stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based substitutes work wonderfully!
How do I know when my stuffed bell peppers are done cooking?
They should be tender but not mushy, usually after 30-35 minutes at 375°F.
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! They freeze well before or after baking; just ensure they’re sealed tightly.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight in vibrant stuffed bell peppers filled with savory rice and ground beef, a perfect family-friendly dish that combines nutrition with comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Carefully slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds. Fill them generously with the beef mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (320g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
