Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family, you’ve come to the right place! These Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a classic favorite in my house. They combine the heartiness of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a colorful bell pepper. It’s the kind of meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You can prepare it in just a bit over an hour, making it a great choice when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, these stuffed peppers are not only tasty but also easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 75 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy filling, and it’s a fun way to get them involved in cooking!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prep these stuffed peppers ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your taste or pantry staples—there’s so much room for creativity!
• Delicious Flavor: With savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and melted cheese, every bite is packed with flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ground beef stuffed peppers use wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything you need to create this delicious meal!

• 1 cup cooked rice (I use white jasmine rice)
• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese blend, divided (see note)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or black beans for a hearty plant-based version.
• Change up the cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Mix in some chopped zucchini or spinach into the filling for extra nutrients!

How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

If you don’t have cooked rice on hand, start by making some. This step can be done ahead of time too! I often cook just half a cup of uncooked rice—this way I have extra for another meal later on.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Peppers

Preheat your oven to 400F and adjust the rack to the middle position. While it’s heating up, cut the tops off your bell peppers like you’re carving pumpkins. Remove any seeds or membranes inside. Be sure to chop up the usable parts from those tops because they will add great flavor to your filling!

Step 3: Set Up Your Baking Dish

Arrange your halved peppers cut-side up in a baking dish—I usually go with a standard 9×13 size. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the dish; this will help steam your peppers as they bake.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Peppers

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat with chopped onions and those diced pepper tops you saved earlier. Sauté them for about five minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5: Cook the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef to the skillet and cook it while breaking it apart with your spoon. Keep cooking until it’s browned all over—this should take about eight minutes. If there’s too much fat after browning, feel free to spoon out any excess.

Step 6: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Once your beef is cooked through, stir in minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute before adding crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and Italian seasoning. Let everything warm through before removing from heat.

Step 7: Mix in Rice and Cheese

Stir in your cooked rice along with one cup of shredded cheese into the beef mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here! Then spoon this delicious mixture into each bell pepper until they’re filled nicely.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and place it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes; we want those peppers tender but still firm enough not to fall apart.

Step 9: Top with Cheese & Finish Baking

After baking time is up, carefully remove the foil from your dish. The peppers should feel slightly firm when touched—they’re not quite done yet! Sprinkle remaining cheese over each pepper and return them to the oven uncovered for an additional five to ten minutes until melted and bubbly. If you’re feeling adventurous, broil them briefly at the end for that perfect golden touch!

And there you have it—delicious Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Making Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers can be a breeze with a few handy tips to guide you!

• Choose firm peppers: Opting for fresh, firm bell peppers ensures that they hold their shape during cooking and provide the perfect vessel for your delicious filling.

• Customize your filling: Feel free to add spices or vegetables that you love! This dish is versatile, so incorporating ingredients like corn, black beans, or even some diced zucchini can make it even more delightful.

• Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leaving a little space in each pepper allows them to cook evenly and prevents overflow during baking.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, trying different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a fun twist to the flavor profile of your stuffed peppers.

• Make ahead and freeze: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and freeze them. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready for a hearty meal!

How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers not only taste amazing but also look fantastic on the plate, making them ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Here are some ideas on how to present this scrumptious dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top provides a creamy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Avocado slices: Adding a few slices of avocado gives a rich texture and enhances the overall presentation.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the stuffed peppers.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus bring color and nutrition to your meal while being easy to prepare alongside the main dish.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and lemon vinaigrette offers a healthy side that pairs wonderfully with the stuffed peppers.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a great contrast in texture and is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from your peppers.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers will be both delicious and visually appealing! Enjoy creating this comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These ground beef stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
• Place the peppers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the peppers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave on high until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice is a great alternative that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just be sure to cook it beforehand as you would with white rice.

How do I customize my Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to the filling! You can also swap out cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

Are Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers healthy?

Absolutely! They are packed with protein from the ground beef and plenty of vitamins from the bell peppers. Plus, you can control the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delicious Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers! They’re not only easy to prepare but also bring warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Happy cooking!