The aroma ofstuffed through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine vibrant green, red, and yellow peppers cradling a delicious blend of savory and spices, all bubbling away like a hot summer day—pure bliss! This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also warms your heart as you gather around the dinner table with loved ones.
I still remember the first time I attempted making ; my friends were skeptical about eating veggies that looked like they were wearing little edible jackets. Little did they know they’d be begging for seconds by the end of the meal! With a sprinkle of love and a dash of humor, let’s dive into this comforting classic that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
There’s nothing quite like watching friends devour these beauties while pretending they’re not just glorified vegetable boats! It’s a crowd-pleaser that even veggie-haters will find hard to resist.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful varieties because they add both sweetness and visual appeal.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Onion: Dice finely to ensure it cooks evenly and adds depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile; don’t skimp on it!
- Rice: Use long-grain white or brown rice as it absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce adds moisture and tanginess; avoid watery sauces for better results.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates a bubbly golden crust that is irresistible.
- Spices (Cumin & Paprika): Essential for adding warmth and complexity; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple yet vital seasonings to enhance all other flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepping Your Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds. Rinse under cold water for freshness.
Sautéing Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic until fragrant; this should take about 1 minute.
Cooking Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned through. Break it apart with a spatula while stirring; this ensures even cooking and helps with texture.
Add Rice & Sauce: Stir in cooked rice along with tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
Filling The Peppers: Spoon generous amounts of the meat mixture into each prepared bell pepper. Pack them tightly—nobody likes an underwhelming stuffed pepper!
Baking Time: Place the filled peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Now just sit back and let those delightful aromas fill your home as you anticipate mealtime magic!
Once baked perfectly golden brown on top, serve these delightfulwarm from the oven. Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from friends and family alike—they’ll think you’re a culinary genius!
And there you have it—stuffed bell peppers that are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef while you prepare the bell peppers. This saves time and ensures everything is ready for deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even a vegetarian option. Add different spices or cheeses to customize flavors and cater to your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight stuffed bell peppers ground beefcontainer in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Sometimes I surprise my friends with these stuffed bell peppers when they visit unexpectedly. Their delighted faces are priceless, especially when they ask for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well.
What sides pair well with stuffed bell peppers?
Consider serving them with a simple salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for balance.
How can I make stuffed bell peppers spicier?
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick that will ignite your taste buds!
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in these flavorful stuffed bell peppers, loaded with savory ground beef and aromatic spices. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Spices: cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stuff the mixture into each prepared pepper and pack tightly.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize by swapping ground beef with turkey or veggie alternatives. Add jalapeños for extra spice. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or oven.