Print

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 Medium Onion, diced
  • 23 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