Description
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers filled with savory beef, rice, and cheese — a hearty weeknight dinner that’s healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 7 large bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the peppers. Slice off the tops, remove seeds and membranes, and set aside. If needed, trim the bottom slightly so each pepper stands upright.
- Cook the filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the beef. Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season and combine. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. Mix in the cooked brown rice until well combined.
- Stuff the peppers. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each hollowed pepper, pressing lightly to fill completely.
- Bake. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Add cheese. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of colorful peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) for an appealing presentation.
For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
If using uncooked rice, pre-cook it partially before adding to ensure proper texture.
Serve with a drizzle of tomato sauce or marinara for added moisture.
Keywords: Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers