There’s something magical about opening your oven to a warm, inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen—especially when it’s coming from a tray of stuffed bell peppers filled with ground beef. These vibrant morsels not only look stunning but also bring an explosion of flavors that dance upon your taste buds.
I remember the first time I made these stuffed bell peppers for my family; they were skeptical at first. But once they took that first bite, their eyes lit up as if they’d just discovered a hidden treasure. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, these colorful delights promise a delicious experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and can be ready in under an hour
- The combination of spices creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible
- Plus, the vibrant colors of the bell peppers make it visually appealing on any dining table
- You can customize the filling based on what you have in your pantry, making it versatile for any occasion
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe
My friends couldn’t stop raving about these stuffed bell peppers at our last potluck; they devoured every single one!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm and vibrant colors like red or yellow for sweetness and visual appeal.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to balance flavor without excess grease; it’s perfect for stuffing.
- Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works great here; it adds bulk and absorbs all those tasty flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide moisture and acidity; pick ones without added salt for better control.
- Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring essential aromatics that elevate your dish’s overall flavor.
- Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): Shredded cheese creates a gooey topping that melts beautifully over your delicious filling.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Salt): These spices add depth to the filling; don’t skip them for maximum flavor impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds carefully—don’t forget to keep those colorful tops aside for later!
Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant before adding ground beef until browned completely.
Add Filling Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and half of the cheese into the meat mixture. Let it simmer until heated through—your kitchen will smell divine!
Stuff Those Peppers!: Generously fill each pepper with the savory meat mixture using a spoon or your hands—whatever works best! Top each one with remaining cheese for that melty goodness.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange your stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until tender.
Garnish & Serve!: Once out of the oven, let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in eagerly!
Make sure you enjoy every moment as you savor these delightful stuffed bell peppers filled with ground beef—a dish sure to impress!
You Must Know
- Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef create a delightful medley of flavors
- The vibrant colors and aromas make for an inviting meal, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners
- Embrace the simplicity of this dish while impressing everyone at your table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sear the ground beef with onions and spices first, then prep your bell peppers while the filling cools slightly. This method ensures every component shines in flavor.
Add Your TouchDiscover the ultimate stuffed bell peppers with ground beef recipe. Bursting with flavor, these beauties are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or mozzarella to add unique flavors. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste profile significantly.
Storing & ReheatingDiscover the ultimate stuffed bell peppers with ground beef recipe. Bursting with flavor, these beauties are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days in the fridge. For reheating, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, preserving their delightful texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure even cooking, cut the tops off your peppers evenly and remove seeds thoroughly
- Always taste your filling before stuffing; seasoning is key!
- For added crunch, broil briefly before serving, creating a delicious golden top
Cooking stuffed bell peppers always brings back memories of my mom’s kitchen filled with warmth and laughter, especially when I convinced my friends they were gourmet creations!
FAQDiscover the ultimate stuffed bell peppers with ground beef recipe. Bursting with flavor, these beauties are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as alternatives for stuffed bell peppers.
How long do I bake stuffed bell peppers?
Bake them for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Can I prepare stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking.
Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Delight in these vibrant stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese—perfect for a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella)
- cumin
- paprika
- salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Incorporate the ground beef and brown thoroughly.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and half of the cheese. Simmer until heated through.
- Fill each pepper generously with the meat mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish with a splash of water to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
