Ground beef stuffed peppers are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition, making them a comforting and wholesome meal. Bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked to perfection. This dish is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this ground beef stuffed peppers recipe is sure to be a hit!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to make these delicious Ground beef stuffed peppers, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make them your own.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
To create the perfect stuffed peppers, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that come together in a delicious, well-balanced meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or a grain of your choice)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- A dollop of sour cream
- Hot sauce or salsa for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground beef stuffed peppers recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes from inside. This creates a hollow space for the filling. If the peppers have trouble standing upright, you can slice a small amount off the bottom to create a flat base.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take another 7-8 minutes.
After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed. Mix in the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. add tomatoes and cooked rice to the skillet. Let everything cook together for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld. Take the frying off the heat and put it aside.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Place the hollowed-out bell peppers in a baking dish so they are standing upright. Carefully spoon the ground beef and rice mixture into each pepper, filling them generously. Once all the peppers are filled, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
Step 4: Bake the Peppers
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the peppers moist and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor. For an added touch, serve with a side of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce, depending on your preference.
Variations and Substitutions
Stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to change up the Ground beef stuffed peppers recipe based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are a few popular variations:
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or use a combination of beans, quinoa, and sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty, vegetarian version.
- Mexican-Inspired Peppers: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef and rice mixture. Top with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor. Serve with guacamole or pico de gallo for a delicious Mexican twist.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the rice and replace it with riced cauliflower. The texture will still be great, and you’ll cut out the extra carbs.
- Spicy Stuffed Peppers: For those who like some heat, you can add diced jalapeños to the filling or use spicy ground sausage instead of beef. Top with pepper jack cheese or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your stuffed peppers turn out perfectly every time:
Use Fresh Bell Peppers: Look for firm, bright-colored peppers without any soft spots. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter and more flavorful, while green peppers are more bitter, making them ideal for savory dishes.
Precook the Rice: It’s important to use fully cooked rice in this recipe since the peppers won’t be in the oven long enough to cook raw rice. You can use leftover rice or cook a fresh batch ahead of time.
Drain Excess Fat: If using ground beef with higher fat content, be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning the beef. This helps keep the filling from becoming overly greasy.
Don’t Overcook the Peppers: You want the bell peppers to be tender but still hold their shape. Baking them too long can cause them to become mushy, so keep an eye on them during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Ground beef stuffed peppers are a hearty meal on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. this is more ideas to round out your meal:
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the stuffed peppers.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover juices from the peppers.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or carrots make a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal, serve the peppers with creamy mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to prepare stuffed peppers in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply assemble the peppers, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
A: Absolutely. Stuffed peppers freeze well, making them a great meal prep option. After assembling and baking the peppers, allow them to cool completely. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. you can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Q: What can I substitute for rice?
A: If you want to switch out the rice, try using quinoa, couscous, or even cooked lentils. These options will give the filling a slightly different texture but are still delicious Ground beef stuffed peppers.
Conclusion
Ground beef stuffed peppers are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, stuffed peppers are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Give this Ground beef stuffed peppers recipe a try and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of stuffed peppers with your family tonight!