Print

Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Rice and Ground Beef

easy cheesy stuffed bell peppers - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, hearty recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color; red or yellow add sweetness)
  • 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 cup (190g) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry.
  3. Cook ½ cup (95g) uncooked rice according to package instructions to yield about 1 cup cooked rice, then let cool slightly if not using leftover rice.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  7. Stuff each bell pepper evenly with the filling, packing gently but not overflowing.
  8. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  11. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Optional to blanch bell peppers for 3-4 minutes before stuffing to soften. Use leftover rice for better texture. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasy filling. Cover peppers loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly during baking. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute beef. For gluten-free, ensure tomato sauce is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, rice and beef stuffed peppers

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