The sight of bright, colorful stuffed bell ground beef peppers bursting at their seams with savory ground beef is enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. Imagine the tender crunch of the pepper mingling with flavorful filling wafting through your kitchen, a tantalizing aroma that promises deliciousness in every bite. This is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you back to cozy dinners where laughter echoed off the walls.
Picture this: I once whipped up these stuffed bell peppers for a family gathering and was met with delighted smiles and compliments that made my heart swell. The joy of watching everyone devour them was pure magic! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive get-together, these beauties are the star of any table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These stuffed bell peppers are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors is mouthwatering, making them irresistible to all
- Their vibrant colors make your dinner table pop with joy and appeal
- You can easily customize the filling based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand!
I recall the first time I made these delightful stuffed peppers; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how they were restaurant-quality right at home!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm peppers in vibrant colors for a stunning presentation; they should feel heavy in your hand.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a tasty yet lighter filling; it ensures moisture without excess grease.
- Cooked Rice: Use leftover rice if you have it; this adds bulk and helps balance flavors.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion enhances flavor; aim for sweet yellow onions to bring out natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; crushed or minced works best for even distribution.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide moisture and tanginess; go for no-salt-added varieties if you’re watching sodium intake.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates a gooey layer that pulls everything together; mozzarella or cheddar works beautifully.
- Seasonings: Don’t skip on salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika—these elevate the flavor profile significantly!
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 and perfectly melted cheese on top.
Prep Your Peppers: Slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish like little edible cups ready to be filled.
Sauté the Filling Ingredients: In a pan over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes will do wonders.
Add Ground Beef**: Stir in the ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned—this will take about 6-8 minutes.
Toss in Rice & Tomatoes**: Mix cooked rice and diced tomatoes into the beef mixture. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika while stirring well to combine all those glorious flavors.
Stuff & Bake**: Spoon generous amounts of filling into each pepper until they overflow slightly. Top with shredded cheese before covering loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
Once you pull these from the oven, let them cool for a few moments before serving—trust me; molten cheese can be deceiving! Enjoy your culinary masterpiece while basking in compliments from family or guests who will undoubtedly ask for seconds (or thirds).
With every bite of these stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place at our dinner table!
You Must Know
- Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef are not only delicious but also versatile
- You can customize the stuffing based on your preferences, making them a crowd-pleaser
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bistro!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Cook the ground beef until browned, then mix in spices and vegetables before stuffing the peppers. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or vegetarian alternatives. Adding cheese on top or incorporating rice or quinoa into the filling can elevate your dish and cater to different tastes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through, maintaining their deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your stuffed bell peppers shine, always season each layer well; this enhances flavor tremendously
- Also, don’t overstuff them; you want a balanced bite!
- Lastly, let them rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps set everything nicely
A friend once told me that her family couldn’t get enough of these stuffed bell peppers during a potluck. They disappeared faster than I could say “seconds,” leaving me both flattered and hungry!
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for stuffed bell peppers ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as alternatives in this recipe.
How do I prevent soggy stuffed bell peppers?
Roast the peppers briefly before stuffing them to help avoid excess moisture.
What side dishes pair well with stuffed bell peppers ground beef?
Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Savor the vibrant flavors of these stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and spices. This dish is a family favorite that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- Salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings until well combined.
- Fill each pepper generously with the mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Place in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
