Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, brown rice, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices, topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed)
Filling
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 Medium Onion (diced)
- 2–3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the 7 large bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish or rimmed tray.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in the cooked brown rice, canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Filling: Continue cooking the mixture, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly for about 4-5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, filling them evenly.
- Bake Stuffed Peppers: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the peppers are just tender but still hold their shape.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the peppers from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese on top of each. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, you can substitute paprika with smoked paprika.
- Use avocado oil or olive oil for a healthier fat option.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- For softer peppers, bake a few minutes longer but be careful not to overcook to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef recipes, easy dinner, baked peppers, healthy stuffed peppers, one dish meal