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Cheesy Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe Easy Comfort Food Dinner

cheesy beef and rice stuffed peppers - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup (190g) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, break it up, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Transfer beef mixture to a mixing bowl and add cooked rice. Stir to combine evenly.
  8. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing gently but firmly.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of each stuffed pepper.
  10. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add 1/4 cup (60ml) water to the bottom of the dish. Cover loosely with foil.
  11. Bake for 30 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and peppers are tender but not mushy.
  13. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Do not overfill peppers to prevent spilling during baking. Add water to the baking dish to keep peppers moist. Let peppers rest after baking for easier slicing. Broil for last 2-3 minutes for a golden cheese crust but watch closely to avoid burning. Can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken, or use plant-based cheese for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, cheesy beef peppers, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, baked stuffed peppers, family dinner