Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice are a delightful combination of vibrant colors and hearty flavors. This easy weeknight dinner is not only visually appealing but also packed with protein and deliciousness, making it a family favorite. The bell peppers act as edible bowls, filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and zesty tomato sauce. It’s a wholesome meal that comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from the veggies and lean protein.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly season the insides with salt and pepper. Place them upright in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
7. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. Top with the remaining cheese.
8. Add a little water to the bottom of the baking dish (about 1/4 cup) to help steam the peppers.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a mix of colored bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
• Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you want some heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Precook the rice for even faster preparation.

Easy Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils.
• Cheesy Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the beef mixture and use mozzarella cheese.
• Mexican Style: Incorporate corn, black beans, and taco seasoning for a southwestern twist.

What to Serve With It

• A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
• Mexican-style street corn for a complementary side.
• Avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy touch.
• Cilantro lime rice to enhance the flavors.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Stuffed bell peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Recipe Card