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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/easy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe/