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Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers - featured image

A quick and comforting family dinner recipe featuring tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, topped with melty cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white or brown rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and slice off the tops of the bell peppers. Remove seeds and membranes carefully. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano if using.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce and cooked rice. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper until full but not packed too tight.
  8. Arrange peppers upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour about 1/4 cup water or broth into the bottom of the dish to keep peppers moist.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each pepper.
  11. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Use leftover rice for best texture; do not overcook rice to avoid mushy filling. Add cheese only in the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. If peppers are not soft enough, cover with foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be substituted. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

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