Amazing Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Introduction
Classic stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef and rice. These hearty, comforting peppers are the perfect weeknight dinner that brings the whole family together!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Boil peppers for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Place upright in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden brown.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Pepper Selection: Choose firm, heavy peppers with smooth skin for best results.
- Rice Tip: Day-old rice works best as it absorbs flavors better and won't become mushy.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Freezing: These freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! Assemble the peppers 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Q: Do I have to boil the peppers first? A: While not mandatory, boiling helps tenderize the peppers and reduces baking time.
- Q: What kind of rice works best? A: White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all work well depending on your preference.