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Savory Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Ground Beef and Rice

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A quick and easy stuffed bell peppers recipe featuring a savory, cheesy filling of ground beef, rice, and spices, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or yellow), tops cut off and seeds removed
  • 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 cup (190g) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and scooping out the seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. Stand them upright in a baking dish, trimming the bottoms slightly if needed to keep them stable.
  3. Cook 1/2 cup (95g) uncooked rice according to package instructions if you don’t have leftover rice. Let it cool slightly.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add ground beef, crumble and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper cavity, packing lightly but not overfilling. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and browned.
  11. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pre-cook the rice to avoid sogginess. Do not overstuff the peppers to prevent spills and uneven cooking. Adding a splash of water to the baking dish before covering with foil can help soften the peppers. Optional parmesan on top adds a crispy finish. For heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, cheesy stuffed peppers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://morselora.com/savory-cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-rice-perfect-for-easy-dinners/