Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A delicious and hearty dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese.
Ground beef stuffed peppers are a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef with fresh bell peppers. Perfect for a family dinner, this meal is not only satisfying but also provides a colorful presentation on your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory filling that packs a punch of flavor
- Nutritious and colorful meal in a convenient package
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
A Perfect Family Meal
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers make for an ideal family meal, providing a delicious and nutritious option that everyone will enjoy. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Plus, the colorful presentation of bell peppers adds a delightful visual appeal to your dinner table.
This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters. The bell peppers act as a vessel for the seasoned filling, making them more enticing for children and adults alike. You can even let the kids help with assembling the stuffed peppers, turning dinner preparation into a fun family activity.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers is their versatility. The filling can be easily modified to suit your taste or to use up ingredients you have on hand. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or chili powder to the beef mixture. Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or quinoa for a protein-packed filling.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a bit of heat or feta for a tangy twist. You can also add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a favorite for meal prep or special occasions.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of these stuffed peppers and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use. They reheat beautifully, maintaining their flavor and texture, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
To freeze, simply prepare the stuffed peppers as directed, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This allows you to have a wholesome meal ready in no time, without compromising on taste or quality.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste!
Instructions
Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
Combine the Filling
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Stuff the Peppers
Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!
These stuffed peppers can be served with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even more delicious.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before or after baking. If freezing before baking, ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking or directly bake from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing can complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Consider pairing the stuffed peppers with a side of guacamole or salsa for an extra layer of flavor. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can also add a creamy texture that enhances the overall experience.
Nutritional Benefits
Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, making them a healthful addition to your diet. The ground beef offers a good source of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Combined with rice, this dish provides a balanced meal that supports energy and growth.
By incorporating a variety of vegetables into the filling, you enhance the nutritional profile even further. This dish not only tastes great but also contributes to your daily vegetable intake, promoting overall health and wellness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peppers and filling in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving.
→ What other ingredients can I add?
You can include chopped mushrooms, spinach, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to eat.
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
A delicious and hearty dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese.
Created by: Eleanor Briggs
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Top with shredded cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g