The vibrant colors of the garden-fresh bell peppers lead you into a world where flavor reigns supreme. When you slice them open to reveal the luscious filling of rice and ground beef, it’s like unwrapping a delicious gift that keeps giving.
My fondest memory of stuffed bell peppers revolves around my grandma’s kitchen. Every Sunday, she would whip up this dish while regaling us with tales of her youth. The aroma wafting through the air was enough to make any child forget their vegetables—and trust me, that says a lot.
– These stuffed bell peppers are easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
– The flavor profile is rich and savory, thanks to the blend of spices and ingredients.
– Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing and a hit at any dinner table.
– You can easily customize the filling based on what you have in your pantry.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip these up without breaking a sweat
- Versatility is key; switch up the filling based on your cravings or leftovers
- Their vibrant colors will brighten any meal, making it not just tasty but also visually stunning
- Perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings!
When I first made these stuffed bell peppers for my friends, their eyes lit up as they took their first bite. It felt like I had created culinary magic right in my kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm, vibrant peppers to ensure they hold up during cooking.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the filling flavorful without too much grease.
- Rice: Cooked white or brown rice works well; it adds texture and substance.
- Onion: Chopped onions provide sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor; never skimp on this aromatic gem!
- Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tanginess; opt for your favorite brand or homemade variety.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully on top; who doesn’t love cheese?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, carefully slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds inside.
Sauté Aromatics and Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant before adding ground beef. Cook until browned.
Add Rice and Sauce: Stir in cooked rice along with tomato sauce. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
Stuff Those Peppers!: Fill each bell pepper with the savory mixture until overflowing slightly—it’s okay if they look a little messy! Top each one with shredded cheese.
Bake Until Golden: Arrange stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling golden brown.
Enjoy these delightful Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Beef that not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on your dinner table!
You Must Know
- Stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef are a versatile dish
- You can adjust the spices based on your family’s preferences
- Their vibrant colors and delightful aroma make them a feast for the eyes and palate alike, perfect for any dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the rice first while browning the ground beef to save time. Then, mix both with spices before stuffing the peppers.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beef for turkey or add cheese on top for an extra creamy texture. Spice it up with your favorite seasonings!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh peppers; they taste better and hold their shape nicely
- When mixing ingredients, don’t overstuff; leave some room for expansion during cooking
- Lastly, let them rest before serving to enhance flavors and avoid burning your tongue!
Cooking these stuffed bell peppers reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited my contribution—those seconds were always the best part!
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lean substitute.
How long do stuffed bell peppers take to bake?
Typically, they bake for about 30-35 minutes at 375°F until tender.
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for quick meals later on.
Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Ground Beef
Savor the vibrant flavors of stuffed bell peppers filled with hearty rice and ground beef, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Brown thoroughly.
- Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
