As a busy parent, I’m always searching for easy, family-friendly dinners. That’s why I love making delicious1 stuffed bell peppers. They’re filled with ground beef, rice, and seasonings, topped with cheese. It’s a comfort food classic that everyone loves.
Stuffed bell peppers were a staple in my childhood home. The smell of them baking made our mouths water. Now, I enjoy sharing this recipe with my family. It’s a great way to bond and make memories over a homemade meal.
Key Takeaways
- Stuffed bell peppers are a classic, family-friendly dinner dish
- This recipe calls for1 1 1/2 pounds of 90% lean ground beef and2 6 bell peppers
- The peppers are baked for1 25 minutes covered and1 10 minutes uncovered
- Each serving provides1 approximately 408 calories1, 25g of carbohydrates1, 32g of protein, and1 20g of fat
- Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be stored in the fridge for1 up to 3 days
These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a mixture of ground beef
Stuffed bell peppers have been loved by families for many years. My recipe uses a tasty ground beef and rice mix, baked in colorful bell peppers3. It makes 12 to 14 peppers, so serve 2 per person for a full meal3. Baking both pots takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes3. But, baking one pot at a time saves 15 to 20 minutes3.
The ground beef filling is the main attraction, seasoned just right4. You’ll need 1 lb of ground beef4, along with onions, garlic, and spices4. The beef and rice go inside soft bell peppers, baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These stuffed bell peppers are a hit with everyone, making them a great dinner choice5. They’re often found on menus in American and Italian restaurants5. This recipe is perfect for a cozy meal or to impress your guests.
Bell Pepper Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right peppers is the first step to making tasty stuffed bell peppers6. You can pick any color you like – red, yellow, orange, or green. They all work great in this recipe. Make sure to choose peppers with flat bottoms so they stand up well in the dish6.
Preparing the peppers is easy. Start by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes inside7. Don’t remove the stem; it helps the pepper stay in shape while baking6. Bake the empty shells for a bit to make them tender before adding the filling8.
By carefully choosing and preparing the peppers, you’ll create a delicious and beautiful stuffed pepper dish6. With a bit of attention to detail, you’ll have a great base for your stuffed bell pepper dish8.
Ingredient Breakdown
Making the perfect stuffed bell pepper recipe needs the right ingredients. Let’s look at the key parts that make this dish tasty.
Ground Beef
Choose 90% lean ground beef9 for this recipe. It’s lean, so it tastes great without too much fat. If your beef is fattier, just drain the extra grease after cooking.
Rice
This recipe uses cooked rice9. Leftover rice works well. I like long-grain rice like Jasmine or Basmati9 for flavor and texture. Brown rice is a healthier choice too.
Onions
Onions add a lot of flavor to the beef and rice mix9. Make sure to finely chop them for the best taste.
Seasonings
I season with salt, black pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning9. Tomato sauce adds moisture and flavor9. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top finishes it off nicely.
Cheese
I use freshly grated mozzarella cheese10 for this recipe. Feel free to pick your favorite cheese instead.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound (lean) |
| Cooked Rice | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 medium, minced |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 (14.5 ounce) can |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 1/2 cups, shredded |
| Spices | Salt, black pepper, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin |
By picking and mixing these top-notch stuffed bell pepper ingredients, you’ll make a dish that’s both tasty and fulfilling.
Stuffing and Baking Instructions
Preparing stuffed bell peppers is a fun cooking adventure. Start by browning ground beef in a large pan or skillet, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks11. Then, add diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are soft11.
After that, mix cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings like salt and Italian seasoning into the beef11. Stir until everything is well combined11. Use a spoon to fill the pre-baked bell pepper shells with the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese, like Monterey Jack or cheddar, on top of each pepper11.
Place the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at11400°F for about 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly11. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top. Serve and enjoy this tasty, comforting dish12.
“Cooking is one of my greatest passions. I love experimenting with new flavors and techniques to create wholesome, satisfying meals for my family.” –12
Pro Tips
Creating the perfect stuffed bell peppers requires a few expert tips. Start by picking bell peppers that are the same size13. This ensures they cook evenly and look great together. If a pepper won’t stand up, just cut a thin slice off the bottom to level it13.
Don’t stick to just green bell peppers. Try red, yellow, and orange ones for a sweeter taste11. They cook the same way, so mixing colors makes your dish look amazing13.
Another tip: use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded13. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that stop it from melting well. Grate your own cheese for a creamy, smooth filling13.
Remember these stuffed bell pepper tips, bell pepper selection, bell pepper preparation, and cheese tips to make a stunning dish131114.
Storage and Reheating
Enjoying stuffed bell peppers means keeping them fresh and tasty. The right storage and reheating methods are key15.
Storing Leftover Stuffed Bell Peppers
Keep leftover stuffed bell peppers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container15. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months15. Wrap each pepper in plastic or foil to avoid freezer burn15.
Reheating Stuffed Bell Peppers
Reheat stuffed bell peppers in the oven or microwave. In the oven, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes in a covered dish15. In the microwave, cook each pepper on high for about 2 minutes15.
These tips ensure your stuffed bell peppers stay delicious, whether reheating leftovers or a fresh batch15.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving stuffed bell peppers, you have many options. I pair them with veggie sides for a balanced meal16.
Veggie-Packed Sides
For a light side, try roasted green beans, sautéed broccolini, or a fresh Italian salad. These veggies match the stuffed peppers well16.
Hearty Options
For a bigger appetite, add a sliced baguette or fresh crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up pepper juices16.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasted Green Beans | Crisp, flavorful green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic, and sea salt |
| Sautéed Broccolini | Tender-crisp broccolini sautéed with lemon and garlic |
| Italian Salad | Mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing |
| Sliced Baguette | Crusty, freshly baked bread for sopping up pepper juices |
Whatever sides you pick, the stuffed bell peppers will shine. Try different flavors to find your favorite1617.
Recipe Variations
Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can switch up the protein, grains, vegetables, or seasonings. This makes it easy to make this classic recipe your own.
Meat Variations
Instead of ground beef, you can use Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey. These alternatives change the flavor profile18. They are great for those with different dietary needs or preferences.
Grain Variations
While the recipe traditionally calls for rice, you can try other grains like quinoa or orzo. These grains offer a different texture and nutritional profile to the stuffed peppers18.
Vegetable Variations
To add more nutrition and variety to the filling, consider adding diced zucchini, olives, or corn. These vegetables complement the classic flavors of the stuffed peppers. They make the dish more robust and flavorful19.
Cheese Variations
While the recipe uses mozzarella cheese, you can try other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt beautifully on top of the stuffed peppers. They offer a different flavor profile18.
Spice Variations
To give the stuffed peppers a Mexican-inspired twist, try adding spices like cumin, chili powder, or fresh cilantro. These flavors enhance the overall taste. They provide a tasty alternative to the traditional Italian-style seasoning19.