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Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Ground Beef and Rice

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A quick and comforting recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops cut off and seeded
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (can substitute brown rice)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and scooping out the seeds and membranes. Set them upright in a baking dish.
  3. Cook the rice if not pre-cooked: bring 1 cup uncooked rice and 2 cups water to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, break apart, and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity, packing gently but not overstuffing.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
  9. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor without greasiness. Do not overstuff peppers to prevent bursting. Cover with foil initially to keep moisture and uncover for a golden cheese crust. Leftover rice or pre-cooked beef can speed up preparation. Can freeze uncooked peppers and bake from frozen with extra time.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, cheesy stuffed peppers, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/easy-cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-rice/