Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef recipes are a timeless weeknight dinner hero, offering a complete, wholesome meal wrapped in a vibrant bell pepper. This recipe will guide you through creating incredibly delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly stuffed bell peppers, making it a go-to meal for families and busy individuals.
Key Ingredients for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef:
This unbelievably easy stuffed bell peppers ground beef recipe is an absolute savior for busy weeknights. In under an hour, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a visually stunning and incredibly flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The tender bell peppers cradle a savory, well-seasoned ground beef and rice filling, all brought together with a rich tomato sauce. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 40-50 minutes, allowing for a delicious and satisfying dinner without the fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper, about an inch from the stem. Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes from the inside of each pepper. Discard the tops or save them for another use. You can also carefully cut the peppers in half lengthwise if you prefer a wider opening for stuffing and serving.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine the Filling Ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the cooked ground beef mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stuff the Bell Peppers: Arrange the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Generously spoon the ground beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them completely. You can pack it in a little, as it will settle slightly during baking.
- Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to steam the peppers and prevent them from drying out. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking (Optional): After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of each stuffed bell pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using). The total baking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your peppers.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef:
You’ll absolutely adore these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef for so many reasons! They are a complete meal in one vibrant package, making for incredibly easy cleanup and healthy eating. The star of the show is the hearty, savory ground beef filling nestled inside tender, slightly sweet bell peppers, creating a delightful textural and flavor experience that rivals any restaurant dish. Unlike a complex casserole, these peppers offer individual, portion-controlled delights that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Beyond their fantastic taste and visual appeal, these stuffed peppers are a fantastic way to eat well without breaking the bank. Making them at home is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made meals or dining out, allowing you to stretch your grocery budget further. Plus, the customizable nature of the filling, from the type of rice to adding your favorite herbs and spices, ensures everyone can enjoy their perfect bite. So why wait? Give these delightful Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef a try tonight and prepare to be impressed!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing and reheating your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef is key to enjoying their deliciousness even after the initial meal.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, allow the cooked and cooled stuffed peppers to freeze whole or in portions. Wrap them individually and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen stuffed peppers can be kept for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven Method: This is the preferred method for the best texture. Place refrigerated stuffed peppers in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen stuffed peppers, increase the baking time to 40-50 minutes, or until fully thawed and heated through.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker reheat, place a stuffed pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness and continuing to heat in 30-second intervals as needed. This method is best for immediate consumption as the peppers can become softer.
Final Thoughts:
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef are a true culinary victory, offering a wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly simple dinner solution. They are proof that delicious and satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Gather your ingredients and give this fantastic recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper, about an inch from the stem. Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes from the inside of each pepper. Discard the tops or save them for another use. You can also carefully cut the peppers in half lengthwise if you prefer a wider opening for stuffing and serving.4 large bell peppers
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the cooked ground beef mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Arrange the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Generously spoon the ground beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them completely. You can pack it in a little, as it will settle slightly during baking.4 large bell peppers, 1 pound lean ground beef
- Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to steam the peppers and prevent them from drying out. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.4 large bell peppers
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of each stuffed bell pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using). The total baking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your peppers.4 large bell peppers, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese