Description
These stuffed peppers with ground beef are a hearty, comforting classic. Tender bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then baked in savory tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a freezer-friendly meal.
Ingredients
6 large bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1½ cups cooked white rice
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup tomato sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice off tops of bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each pepper with beef mixture, place in baking dish, top with extra tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Blanch peppers briefly to maintain texture during baking.
Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a vibrant presentation.
Freeze leftovers individually for a quick future meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, ground beef, weeknight dinner