Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed bell peppers are a comforting and versatile meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe combines savory ground beef, hearty brown rice, and melted cheese for a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 Medium Onion (diced)
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
• 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
• 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed)
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Step 5: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese over the peppers, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• For extra flavor, add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the filling.
• Substitute the brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture.
• If you prefer spicier peppers, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through or place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Stuffed peppers also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

What type of cheese works best for topping stuffed peppers?

Cheddar Jack cheese melts well and adds a nice flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a simple and delicious meal featuring bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, brown rice, and seasoned tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. Perfect for a wholesome dinner, this recipe balances savory, smoky, and fresh flavors with a healthy twist.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 7 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling

• 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado 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 (one can)
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

For the Peppers

• 7 Large Bell Peppers, tops and cores removed
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese

For Garnish

• Freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in the cooked brown rice, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in dried oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper according to taste. Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes so flavors meld.
5. Prepare the Bell Peppers: While the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers, remove the tops and cores carefully, keeping the peppers whole to hold the filling.
6. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper cavity, filling them generously but without overpacking.
7. Bake the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Add Cheese Topping: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly on top of each pepper, then return to oven uncovered. Bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• Using paprika adds a smoky depth to the filling, but you can adjust the quantity or omit based on preference.
• Brown rice can be substituted with white rice or quinoa depending on dietary needs or availability.
• To reduce cooking time, pre-cook the brown rice ahead of time or use leftover rice.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the filling mixture.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Stuffed bell peppers, ground beef recipe, baked stuffed peppers, healthy dinner, easy dinner recipe