How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef & Rice | Easy Classic Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers are a timeless classic in the world of comfort food! This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing guests at your next gathering. Imagine tender bell peppers infused with savory ground beef and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate hearty meal that’s not just delicious but also nutritious! Let’s dive into how to make these stuffed bell peppers that your family will love.

A Bit About Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers have a storied history, evolving from various cuisines around the world. They’re mighty popular in American households, particularly known for their versatility. You can serve them for dinner, pack them for lunch, or even throw them on the grill for an outdoor barbecue! And what’s more, they’re easily customizable to fit everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients

To make the best stuffed bell peppers with beef and rice, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (any color you prefer!)
• 1 pound ground beef (or you can use turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown—your choice!)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or you can use fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar—totally up to you!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for added depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare your bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Filling

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. Next, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Don’t forget to drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Once your beef is cooked, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake

Using a spoon, fill each bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture. Top them off with shredded cheese. Pour a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) at the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. For an extra ooey-gooey texture, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and dig in!

Tips & Variations

• Delicious Substitutes: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans or quinoa. You can also use wild rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative!
• More Flavor: Experiment with spices! Cumin or paprika can add a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some chopped spinach or carrots into the filling for added nutrition.

Stuffed bell peppers with beef and rice are not just scrumptiously satisfying; they’re also a wonderful way to bring your family together for a hearty meal.

Try It Today!

Are you ready to whip up this easy stuffed bell peppers recipe? Give it a go and let us know how it turned out! Share your delicious results in the comments below, and happy cooking! 🌶️