Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious, versatile dish filled with seasoned beef, rice, and topped with melted cheese. This satisfying recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even as a healthy weeknight meal. The vibrant bell peppers not only add a pop of color to your plate but also provide a sweet, tender vessel for the savory filling.
1 Knife (for cutting the peppers and chopping ingredients)
1 Cutting board
Ingredients
4large Bell Peppersred, green, or yellow, tops cut off and seeded
1lbGround Beefor ground turkey for a lighter option
1cupCooked Riceor cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
1small Onionchopped
2clovesGarlicminced
1cupTomato Sauce
1tbspOlive Oil
1tspGround Cumin
1tspPaprika
½tspSalt
½tspBlack Pepper
1cupShredded Cheddar Cheeseor a blend of your choice
Instructions
Prepare the Bell Peppers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set aside.
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce and cooked rice, allowing everything to combine.
Stuff the Peppers
Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the peppers cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make It Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice for a low-carb version.
Vegetarian Option: Use black beans or lentils in place of ground beef for a vegetarian filling.
Storage: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Spice Level: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a bit of chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy kick.