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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef, Rice, and Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 30 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic, hearty American main course featuring tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, and tomato sauce, baked until perfectly tender and topped with melted cheese. This comforting, high-protein dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 6 bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds discarded
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Meat & Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Pantry Items

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Parboil Bell Peppers: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the cleaned bell peppers and boil for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  5. Mix Filling Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  6. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity, packing gently.
  7. Bake Covered: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  8. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the peppers. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and prevent burns.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
  • If you prefer firmer peppers with more bite, you can skip the boiling step.
  • Leftover stuffed peppers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making them great for meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/stuffed-bell-peppers-with-ground-beef-rice-and-tomato-sauce-recipe/