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Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Ground Beef and Rice

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A comforting and flavorful recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (about 200 g, day-old rice recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 150 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and slice off the tops of the bell peppers, then remove seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside if desired.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  5. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Stir in dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in tomato sauce and add cooked rice. Mix until combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Place hollowed bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing gently.
  8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each stuffed pepper.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and browned.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use day-old rice to prevent soggy filling. If cheese browns too quickly, cover peppers loosely with foil halfway through baking. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute ground beef for a leaner option. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, cheesy stuffed peppers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, baked peppers, family dinner

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-rice/