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Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef Recipe

Peppers with Cheesy Ground Beef Recipe

5.1 from 27 reviews

A flavorful and hearty recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, cheese, rice, and aromatic spices, perfect as a comforting family meal that balances protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 46 bell peppers (any color – green, yellow, red, orange)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spicy)
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Chopped tops of bell peppers (from cutting off the tops)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Protein & Dairy

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, tofu, or similar)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend; pepperjack recommended)

Pantry Items & Spices

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 14.5 ounces canned fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Grains

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set aside the chopped tops for later use.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, jalapeno (if using), garlic, and chopped pepper tops. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in canned fire roasted tomatoes, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Mix in Rice and Cheese: Fold cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
  6. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each hollowed bell pepper until full.
  7. Bake the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Add Remaining Cheese and Garnish: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and presentation. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, or a plant-based alternative like tofu for variation.
  • Use any color of bell peppers according to your preference or availability.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, omit meat and use tofu or plant-based protein and opt for vegan cheese.
  • Adjust the level of heat by including or omitting the jalapeno pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Cook rice in advance or use leftover rice to speed up preparation time.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the canned tomatoes and spices have no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, cheesy ground beef, bell peppers, baked peppers, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe