The kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of roasted bell peppers as they bake to perfection. Each colorful pepper promises a burst of savory goodness wrapped around tender rice and seasoned ground beef that makes your taste buds dance with joy.
In my house, stuffed bell peppers are a staple for family gatherings. I still remember my first attempt when my little brother declared them “the best thing ever,” while digging in like he hadn’t eaten in days. That moment turned into an annual tradition that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These stuffed bell peppers are simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Bursting with flavor from spices and herbs, they are visually stunning with vibrant colors
- You can easily customize the filling based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge
- Perfect for meal prep or as a comforting family dinner dish!
I served these delicious stuffed bell peppers at our last family BBQ, and let me tell you, the compliments were flowing like soda on a hot summer day.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful peppers for the best visual appeal and flavor; red and yellow are sweeter than green.
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease; it pairs perfectly with spices for flavor.
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Cooked Rice: Any variety works well; I prefer using brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture; opt for fire-roasted ones if you want extra smoky flavors.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides that aromatic flavor punch everyone loves; don’t be shy!
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Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices add warmth; smoked paprika gives a subtle depth that elevates the dish.
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Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheese on top makes everything better; choose mozzarella or cheddar for melting perfection.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking so those flavors meld beautifully as they bake.
Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds carefully. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish where they will stand proud.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft; about 5 minutes should do it. The aroma will have you dreaming of dinner already!
Add Meat & Spices: Stir in ground beef along with cumin and paprika until browned fully. Break up any clumps as it cooks—nobody wants chewy bites of meat!
Mix in Rice & Tomatoes: Combine cooked rice and diced tomatoes into the skillet mixture. Stir well until everything is coated evenly—this is where the magic happens!
Stuff Those Peppers!: Carefully spoon the flavorful filling into each prepared pepper—make sure you pack them generously! Top with shredded cheese if desired.
Bake to Perfection: Cover your baking dish with foil (to retain moisture) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil afterward for an additional 10 minutes to melt cheese perfectly.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner is ready!
Now you have a delicious plate of stuffed bell peppers ready to impress friends or family alike! Enjoy every bite while relishing the memories made around your dining table!
You Must Know
- Stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef are a delightful meal that brings family together
- The vibrant colors and robust flavors make each bite a celebration
- They are easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers, satisfying even the pickiest eaters
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the rice and browning the ground beef, then mix everything before stuffing the bell peppers. This sequence ensures even cooking and a deliciously cohesive flavor throughout.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken, or use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option. Add spices or fresh herbs to personalize the flavor to your liking.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making stuffed bell peppers, remember to choose firm peppers to hold filling well
- Pre-cook your filling slightly for better flavor integration
- Always taste before stuffing to ensure seasoning is just right!
Nothing warms my heart more than when my friends ask for seconds of these stuffed bell peppers. One time, my neighbor declared it was better than their mom’s recipe!
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat in stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken also works well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of rice in stuffed bell peppers?
Quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice are great alternatives for a low-carb option.
How do I prevent my stuffed bell peppers from being soggy?
Make sure to cook the filling slightly before stuffing and avoid overcooking during baking.
Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Beef
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Optional: shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds; place cut-side up in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, cumin, and paprika; cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks.
- Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes; mix well to combine.
- Generously stuff each pepper with the meat mixture and top with cheese if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
