Stuffed bell peppers are a delightful dish that bursts with flavor and color. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender roasted peppers filled to the brim with savory ground beef and aromatic spices.
Every bite is a journey through layers of deliciousness that will make your taste buds dance like no one’s watching. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends, these stuffed wonders bring joy to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for stuffed bell peppers with ground beef is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that everyone will love
- These vibrant peppers look stunning on any plate, making them perfect for entertaining
- You can customize the filling according to your preferences or what you have on hand
- Plus, they’re an excellent option for meal prep!
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.
I once made these for my friends during game night, and they vanished faster than a touchdown celebration!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful peppers for the best presentation and flavor; red, yellow, or green work beautifully.
- Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep it juicy without excess grease.
- Rice: Cooked rice adds texture; use white or brown depending on your preference.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion complements the meat perfectly; sauté until translucent for maximum sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates flavors; use around two cloves for that aromatic punch.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce keeps things moist and packed with flavor; opt for low-sodium if desired.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese adds melty goodness on top; mozzarella or cheddar are popular choices.
- Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices add warmth; adjust amounts based on your taste preferences.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together; don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepping the Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each pepper and remove seeds carefully—this ensures they cook evenly.
Sautéing Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic next; let it cook until fragrant—about one minute will do!
Cooking the Meat Mixture: Toss in the ground beef into the skillet and cook until browned all over. Stir occasionally to break up clumps—nobody wants chewy meatballs here!
Adding Rice and Sauce: Mix in cooked rice along with tomato sauce and spices. Stir everything together well until combined and heated through—your kitchen should smell divine now!
Stuffing Time!: Carefully spoon the meat mixture into each prepared pepper until fully packed. Place them upright in a baking dish—don’t worry about spillage; it’s part of their charm!
Baking to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly—take a moment to admire your masterpiece before digging in!
You Must Know
- Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef are not just filling; they’re a colorful way to sneak in veggies
- The delightful aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, they’re easy to modify based on what’s in your fridge!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, sauté onions and garlic before browning the ground beef. This sequence builds flavor and maximizes efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Consider mixing in quinoa or rice for added texture. Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Spice it up with your favorite herbs, too!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover stuffed bell peppers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain their flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked stuffed bell peppers, choose larger peppers that can hold more filling without collapsing
- Always season the filling generously to enhance flavor
- Test doneness by piercing the pepper skin with a fork—if it’s soft, you’re golden!
Making stuffed bell peppers reminds me of family gatherings when everyone shared their versions, turning dinner into a friendly competition.
FAQ
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers with ground beef?
Yes, just wrap them tightly in plastic and store them for up to three months.
What should I serve with stuffed bell peppers?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.
How do I know when my stuffed peppers are done?
They are ready when the peppers are tender and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef, rice, and spices, making for a delightful meal that’s both easy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- cumin
- paprika
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned and crumbled.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and spices; mix until heated through.
- Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
