Are you tired of boring weeknight dinners that leave everyone wanting more? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise with these irresistible Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers! This American comfort food classic is not just a meal—it's an experience that combines tender bell peppers, juicy ground beef, and melted cheese in a dish so delicious, it'll become an instant family favorite. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a home cook wanting to impress, these stuffed peppers are about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity for stuffing. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef. Return the skillet to medium heat and add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow cheese to brown slightly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm, symmetrical, and have a smooth surface to ensure even cooking and easy stuffing.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or add some diced onions to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent your peppers from becoming greasy.
- If you want a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Don't overstuff the peppers—leave a little room for the filling to expand during cooking.
- For a crispy top, broil the peppers for 2-3 minutes after removing the foil to get a golden, slightly charred cheese topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 403kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
