Main Courses > Meat Dishes > Beef > Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef
Classic Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
Enjoy these hearty and flavorful beef stuffed bell peppers, a classic comfort food perfect for a satisfying meal. This recipe combines ground beef, rice, and aromatic vegetables, all nestled inside colorful bell peppers and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 4 Bell Peppers
- 1 cup Cooked Rice
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 14.5 oz can, undrained Diced Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Prepare the Bell Peppers
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside the pepper tops if you want to use them as lids. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stuff the Bell Peppers
Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them to the top. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. If using the pepper tops, place them on top of the filling.
Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each pepper. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
Serve
Let the stuffed bell peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product
Please note that the following nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: 150-200
Protein: 10-15g
Fat: 8-12g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Other Considerations for Nutrition
For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrients. Using brown rice instead of white rice increases the fiber content.
FAQ
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Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage. -
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. -
What if I don't have cooked rice?
You can cook rice according to package directions while preparing the other ingredients, or substitute with quinoa or couscous.