Best Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers 🧀🌶️ | Easy, Flavorful Dinner Recipe!

Table of Contents: Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Picture this: colorful bell peppers stuffed to the brim with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a comforting weeknight meal. If you’re looking for a classic stuffed peppers recipe that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place.

This Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with hearty, homemade goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find joy in preparing this dish and even more in sharing it with loved ones. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!


Introduction: A Timeless Classic for Every Occasion

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a classic stuffed peppers recipe. It’s a dish that brings families together, evoking memories of cozy dinners and shared laughter. Our Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers recipe is no exception—it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.

This easy stuffed peppers recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet wholesome dinner. It’s also a fantastic option for holiday gatherings or potluck events, where its vibrant colors and comforting flavors are sure to steal the show. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters!

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and cheese—you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.

So, whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this easy stuffed peppers recipe is your go-to. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to make this timeless classic!


Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe goes by many names and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few alternate names and variations you might come across:
Easy Stuffed Peppers
Classic Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Italian-Inspired Stuffed Peppers

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for a Tex-Mex twist. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier option.


Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers:

  • – 4 large bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, or green work beautifully!)
  • – 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85% lean for best flavor)
  • – 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown rice both work well)
  • – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • – 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • – 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • – 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • – 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • – ½ teaspoon paprika
  • – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • – Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly grease a baking dish and place the peppers inside, cut side up.

2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, pressing down gently to fill them completely.

4. Add the Cheese: Top each pepper with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.


Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: Approx. 450 per serving


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers recipe is a winner because it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese creates a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Expert Tips:
– Use pre-cooked rice to save time.
– For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
– Opt for fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you have them on hand.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.


People Also Ask: Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Do you have to cook peppers before stuffing them?

While you don’t have to cook the peppers before stuffing them, parboiling them for 3-5 minutes can soften them slightly, making them easier to cut and eat. However, skipping this step keeps them crispier and saves time.

Should I cook the ground beef before stuffing peppers?

Yes, always cook the ground beef before stuffing peppers. This ensures it’s fully cooked and allows you to season it properly. Plus, cooking the filling beforehand prevents the peppers from becoming watery during baking.

How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting watery?

To prevent watery stuffed peppers, avoid overcooking the filling and drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef. Additionally, parboiling the peppers briefly can reduce their moisture content.

What’s the best cheese for stuffed peppers?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its meltability and rich flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different twist.


Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers. This easy stuffed peppers recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers every time.

We’d love to hear how your stuffed peppers turned out! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy cooking!


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Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These cheesy ground beef stuffed peppers are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until well combined.
  6. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
  7. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish.
  8. Top each pepper with the remaining cheese.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can use any color bell peppers and swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if desired.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: stuffed peppers, ground beef, cheesy, dinner, easy recipe