Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed bell peppers are a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. This recipe combines savory ground beef, rice, and flavorful spices all baked inside tender bell peppers, making for a satisfying and colorful dish perfect for any dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1½ cups cooked brown rice
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 7 large bell peppers (tops and cores removed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the bell peppers cut-side up in a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each bell pepper, then place them back into the baking dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.
• Try using quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture and added protein.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
• Leftover stuffing can be mixed with eggs and baked for a tasty breakfast casserole.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the peppers and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easy and convenient.

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?

Absolutely. After baking, allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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4.5 from 123 reviews

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, brown rice, tomatoes, and spices, baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. It’s a nutritious and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 stuffed bell peppers (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1½ cups cooked brown rice
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Peppers

• 7 large bell peppers, tops and cores removed

Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by placing the halved bell peppers cut-side up in it.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Add remaining filling ingredients: Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and simmer for 4-5 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Stuff the bell peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper and place them back in the baking dish.
6. Bake the peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
7. Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the peppers from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese on top of each pepper, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• You can use any color bell peppers you prefer or a mix for a colorful presentation.
• If you like extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Cook the brown rice ahead of time to save prep time.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Ground Beef Recipe, Baked Peppers, Healthy Dinner, Easy Stuffed Peppers, Comfort Food