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Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Easy Ground Beef Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy comfort food recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory ground beef and cheese filling, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, leftover rice works great)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: fresh parsley or basil (chopped), extra shredded cheese, hot sauce or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash the peppers, cut the tops off, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  6. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  7. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese while the mixture is still warm so it melts into the beef and rice.
  9. Spoon the beef and cheese filling into each bell pepper, packing it slightly but not overfilling.
  10. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
  12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  13. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
  14. Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

If peppers seem stiff before baking, boil for 3 minutes to soften. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid soggy peppers. Cover with foil during baking to trap steam and soften peppers, remove foil near end to crisp cheese. Let peppers rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle. Variations include swapping ground beef for turkey, lentils, or mushrooms; adding spices or different cheeses; or using cauliflower rice for low-carb option.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy stuffed bell peppers, ground beef dinner, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal, stuffed peppers, quick dinner

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-easy-ground-beef-dinner-idea/