If you’re looking for a satisfying and healthy meal, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice recipe is the perfect choice. Featuring colorful bell peppers stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef, brown rice, and herbs, it makes for a flavorful and nutrient-packed dinner that the whole family will love. It’s simple, hearty, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
Ingredients:
4 large bell peppers (any color, hollowed)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup cooked brown rice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your peppers cook evenly and become tender in just the right amount of time.
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the cleaned peppers aside for stuffing.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add Brown Rice and Seasonings:
Stir in the cooked brown rice, tomato sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
Stuff the Peppers:
Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
Add Cheese (Optional) and Bake:
If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy these stuffed peppers hot!
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing the stuffed peppers with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional cheese just before serving.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette or ranch dressing can complement the dish well.
Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, consider serving each stuffed pepper on its own plate with a side of dipping sauce, such as sour cream or guacamole.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Offer toppings like avocado, salsa, or hot sauce on the side to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Portion Control: Cut the peppers in half if you want smaller portions, making them great for serving at gatherings or as part of a buffet-style meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing Frozen Peppers: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen stuffed peppers in the refrigerator overnight. You can then bake them directly as per the recipe instructions.
Reheating: Reheat leftover stuffed peppers in the microwave or oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the peppers in a baking dish with a splash of water (to keep them moist), cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Avoid Overcrowding: When storing, ensure there’s enough space between each stuffed pepper to avoid crushing and preserve their shape.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time. Assemble the peppers with the ground beef and rice filling, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You could also make it vegetarian by using lentils or black beans for a plant-based option.
How do I prevent my bell peppers from becoming too soft?
To avoid overly soft peppers, avoid overcooking them. You can also briefly pre-cook the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing, or reduce the second baking time to 5-7 minutes after removing the foil. This will keep the peppers firmer while still ensuring the filling is cooked through.
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers after they’ve been baked?
Yes, you can freeze baked stuffed peppers. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Conclusion:
This recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a well-balanced meal. Its simple preparation and versatile ingredients make it a go-to for busy weeknights or family dinners!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal with these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice. These colorful bell peppers are filled with a delicious mix of seasoned ground beef, brown rice, and herbs, making them a perfect family-friendly dinner. This recipe is easy to customize and perfect for meal prep or freezer meals.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in brown rice, tomato sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish.
- Top with cheddar cheese (optional), cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
For a vegetarian option, use lentils or black beans instead of meat.
Adjust the seasonings or add hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: Stuffed bell peppers, easy stuffed peppers, stuffed peppers with ground beef, stuffed peppers with rice, healthy stuffed peppers, meal prep stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers.
