Easy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers – Quick & Delicious Dinner Idea!

Table of Contents: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers. This dish combines tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese blend, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a hearty dish for family dinners, these baked stuffed peppers recipe delivers every time. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!


Introduction: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Few dishes are as versatile and satisfying as Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for home cooks everywhere. The combination of cheesy stuffed bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and aromatic herbs creates a meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

One of the reasons this recipe shines is its adaptability. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday suppers, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The use of rice and beef stuffed peppers ensures a filling dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, the vibrant colors of bell peppers make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

This recipe is especially appealing for those who love easy comfort food. With simple ingredients like fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce, you can create a dish that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.


Alternate Names & Variations

You might know this recipe by different names or have seen variations of it. Some popular alternatives include:
Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers: Perfect for cheese lovers, this version adds extra Italian cheese blend for a gooey finish.
Rice and Beef Stuffed Peppers: A classic combination that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Swap ground beef for lentils or quinoa for a meat-free option.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste!


Ingredients: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • – 4 bell peppers, any color
  • – 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • – 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
  • – ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • – 1 pound lean ground beef
  • – 1 teaspoon no salt added Italian seasoning
  • – 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • – ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • – 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice
  • – ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • – ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • – 1 cup Italian cheese blend, divided
  • – 2 cups marinara sauce, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and set them aside.

2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cooked rice, fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, and half of the Italian cheese blend. Stir until well combined.

4. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Place them in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce around the peppers.

5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Italian cheese blend over the tops of the stuffed peppers.

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.


Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 | Calories: Approximately 450 per serving


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This baked stuffed peppers recipe works because it combines simple, high-quality ingredients into a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. The lean ground beef ensures a healthier option, while the Italian cheese blend adds richness and depth.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, toast the rice before cooking it or use a bold marinara sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.


People Also Ask: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Do you have to cook the ground beef before stuffing the peppers?

Yes, cooking the ground beef beforehand ensures it’s fully cooked and flavorful. This step also allows you to season the beef properly and remove excess fat before stuffing the peppers.

Should I boil peppers before stuffing them?

No, boiling the peppers can make them too soft and watery. Baking them raw helps maintain their structure and texture while allowing them to cook evenly with the filling.

What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

Stuffed peppers pair well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve them with mashed potatoes or a side of pasta.

How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting watery?

To prevent watery peppers, make sure the filling isn’t too wet. Drain any excess liquid from the cooked beef and avoid overloading the peppers with sauce.


Conclusion: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

These Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!


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Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers


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

Description

Classic bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese – baked to perfection for a hearty, comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper. Place in a baking dish.
  7. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
  8. Add a bit of water to the bottom of the dish and cover with foil.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also make these ahead and reheat for easy lunches.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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