Imagine a dish that bursts with color and flavor; that’s what you’ll get with stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef. These delightful edible bowls are not just a feast for the eyes; they also pack a punch of savory goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance.
I still remember the first time I made these stuffed bell peppers for my family. The kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas as I prepared this dish, creating an air of anticipation that I could hardly contain. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these vibrant gems never fail to impress!
Four compelling bullet points highlighting the recipe’s standout features without writing or typing dashes
– Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making weeknight meals stress-free.
– Bursting with flavor thanks to seasoned ground beef combined with aromatic spices.
– Visually stunning on any table, showcasing bright colors that invite you to dig in.
– Perfectly versatile; feel free to adapt the filling to suit any dietary preferences.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing recipe for stuffed bell peppers combines ease of preparation with incredible flavors
- You can customize the filling based on your tastes and dietary needs
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing at any gathering
- Ideal for meal prep or enjoying fresh from the oven!
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe
My kids’ eyes practically lit up like Christmas trees when they saw these colorful peppers coming out of the oven!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green for a visually appealing dish.
- Ground Beef: I recommend lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works great here; it saves time and adds texture.
- Onion: Use a yellow onion for its sweetness; it complements the savory meat beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an aromatic kick that elevates every bite.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce binds everything together while adding moisture and flavor.
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar brings gooey goodness on top—because who doesn’t love cheese?
- Spices: A blend of salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika enhances all those delightful flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it. Choose your favorite variety of bell peppers—red, yellow, or green—and cut off their tops while removing seeds carefully.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and smell heavenly. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—trust me; it’s worth waiting for!
Next up is your star ingredient: add ground beef into the skillet! Cook until browned thoroughly while breaking it apart into small bits. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
Stir in cooked rice along with tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Mix well until everything is coated evenly in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for about five minutes so those flavors meld together perfectly.
Now comes the fun part! Fill each prepared bell pepper generously with this mouthwatering mixture until they’re overflowing—like you’re giving them a hearty hug!
Top each stuffed pepper generously with shredded cheese before placing them upright in your baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done baking, remove from the oven carefully (they’re hot!). Let them cool slightly before serving—the aroma will have everyone rushing to the table! Enjoy every flavorful bite of these delightful stuffed bell peppers!
You Must Know
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Beef are not just tasty; they make an impressive presentation
- The vibrant colors of the peppers and the savory filling create a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by pre-cooking the rice while browning the ground beef. Then, mix everything together before stuffing those beauties to ensure even flavor throughout each pepper.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Toss in some beans or corn for added texture and flavor that your family will love.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, and enjoy that homey aroma again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For ultimate flavor, season the meat mixture well and let it cool before stuffing
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright finish
- Avoid overcooking the peppers; they should be tender yet slightly crunchy for best texture
When I first made stuffed bell peppers, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! Their delight reminded me why I love cooking—it’s all about sharing joy through food.
FAQ
Can I use other grains instead of rice?
Absolutely! Quinoa or couscous can also work wonderfully in stuffed bell peppers.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape, typically after 30-35 minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Beef
Savor the vibrant flavors of stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, creating a colorful and nutritious family meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Ground Beef (lean)
- Cooked Rice
- Onion (yellow)
- Garlic (fresh)
- Tomato Sauce
- Shredded Cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- Spices (salt, pepper, cumin, paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion until translucent; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, spices, and simmer for five minutes.
- Generously fill each bell pepper with the mixture, top with cheese, and place in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
