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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice - featured image

A quick and easy homemade recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, baked to tender perfection with an optional cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80% lean recommended)
  • 1 cup (190 grams) cooked white rice (day-old rice preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) canned diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush outside of peppers with olive oil.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice until evenly mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing gently but not overfilling. Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish.
  7. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender but firm.
  8. Let stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or cooled rice to prevent mushy filling. Adjust baking time if peppers are large or thick-walled by adding 5-10 minutes. Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture, remove foil at end to brown cheese. Ground turkey, lentils, or plant-based alternatives can substitute ground beef. Brown rice or quinoa can replace white rice for more fiber or gluten-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, rice, easy dinner, baked peppers, comfort food, family meal