Name: Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 6 medium-sized bell peppers (a mix of colors works great)• 1 pound ground beef• 1 cup cooked white rice• 1 small onion, finely diced• 3 cloves garlic, minced• 1 teaspoon dried oregano• 1 teaspoon dried basil• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Get ready to experience a new level of comfort and flavor with these Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef. This beloved dish is a classic for a reason – the combination of tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a medley of delicious ingredients creates a truly satisfying and irresistible meal.

Imagine slicing into a vibrant bell pepper, revealing a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed filling that melts in your mouth. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, as the savory scents of garlic, herbs, and simmered ground beef fill your kitchen. This recipe is not just a meal – it’s an experience, a journey of taste and texture that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these Stuffed Bell Peppers are sure to become a new family favorite. With their hearty, satisfying nature and the ability to be customized to your taste preferences, this dish is a true winner that will impress your loved ones time and time again.

💖 What Makes This Recipe Truly Special?

What sets these Stuffed Bell Peppers apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef, paired with the subtle sweetness of the bell peppers and the aromatic blend of spices, creates a harmonious and delightful taste experience. The rice in the filling adds a satisfying heartiness, while the baked pepper shells provide a tender, yet slightly crisp, exterior.

Beyond the flavors, this recipe is truly special because of its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, these Stuffed Bell Peppers are a reliable and crowd-pleasing option. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make the process straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of their own home.

🛒 Ingredients: Your Shopping List

• 6 medium-sized bell peppers (a mix of colors works great)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

The key ingredients that truly make this recipe stand out are the ground beef and the blend of herbs and spices. The ground beef provides a rich, savory base that anchors the filling, while the oregano, basil, and cumin add depth and complexity to the flavors. You can also adjust the heat level by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your personal preferences.

📝 Let’s Get Cooking: Detailed Instructions

Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the hollowed-out peppers in a baking dish and set aside.
Make the Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, basil, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the ground beef and rice mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, pressing down gently to compact the filling. Top each stuffed pepper with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the baking dish, around the base of the stuffed peppers (this will help the peppers steam and become tender). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the baked stuffed peppers from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce, if desired.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 65 minutes

📊 Estimated Nutritional Profile

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g

💡 How to Customize This Recipe ?

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free rice blend or quinoa instead of regular white rice. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• To Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils. Adjust the seasonings as needed to compensate for the lack of beef.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the filling. You can also serve the stuffed peppers with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

🍽️ Plating and Presentation Tips

• Main Course Pairing: Serve the Stuffed Bell Peppers with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and nourishing meal.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for added texture.
• Beverage Pairing: These Stuffed Bell Peppers pair beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, or a refreshing iced tea.

🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the ground beef, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause the meat to steam rather than brown, resulting in a less flavorful filling. Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and texture.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: For the best results, make sure all the ingredients (ground beef, onions, garlic, etc.) are at room temperature before beginning the recipe. This will help the filling come together more easily and ensure even cooking.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving tender, properly cooked bell peppers. If the oven is not hot enough, the peppers may not become tender and the filling may not cook through.

🥡 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Stuffed Bell Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: These Stuffed Bell Peppers can be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow the peppers to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat the Stuffed Bell Peppers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring at 30-second intervals until warmed.

❓ FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and seasoning may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the type of meat you use.

How can I make the stuffed peppers healthier?

To make these Stuffed Bell Peppers a bit healthier, you can use a leaner ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken breast. You can also substitute the white rice with a whole grain rice or quinoa. Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables in the filling by adding diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.

Can I prep the stuffed peppers in advance?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the stuffed peppers in advance. Assemble the peppers with the filling, but do not bake them. Instead, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove the dish from the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed in the recipe.

What should I do if the peppers are still a bit crunchy after baking?

If the bell peppers are not as tender as you’d like after the initial baking time, simply cover the dish with foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the peppers to steam and become more tender. You can also try cutting the peppers in half lengthwise before stuffing and baking to reduce the overall cooking time.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is delicious, you can experiment with other cheese varieties that complement the flavors of the stuffed peppers. Some great options include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect cheese combination.

⭐ Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe

These Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef are a true culinary delight that will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The combination of the tender, flavorful peppers and the savory, satisfying filling is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress and satisfy.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and let’s get to work on creating a meal that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Bon appétit!