These easy stuffed bell peppers are filled with tasty ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and lots of flavors. They look colorful on your plate and are a perfect comfy meal!
What’s great is how simple they are to make. Just mix, stuff, and bake! I love making these when I need something quick that everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: You can use any color bell peppers—red, yellow, orange, or green. I like using a mix for a vibrant look. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, go for red or yellow.
Ground Beef: This recipe works great with beef, but you could use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils for a vegetarian option.
Brown Rice: While brown rice gives a nutty flavor, white rice could work too. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also great gluten-free alternatives!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are tasty choices, but feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do You Get Evenly Cooked Peppers?
To ensure that your bell peppers cook evenly, follow these tips. Start by cutting the tops off and removing seeds, making sure they stand upright in the baking dish. This helps the stuffing stay in place.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover with foil in the first half of baking to steam the peppers. This softens them nicely.
- Monitor closely during the last stage of baking to prevent overcooking.
With these tips and substitutions, you can customize your stuffed peppers to your liking while ensuring great results every time!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Beef And Brown Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to cook, making a total of about 1 hour. You’ll spend some time prepping the peppers and cooking the filling before baking them to gooey, cheesy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake those stuffed peppers!
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Next, take your bell peppers, cut the tops off, and remove the seeds and membranes inside. You want them to be hollow and ready for stuffing! Place each pepper upright in a baking dish for easy filling.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to stir occasionally, and once done, drain any excess fat to keep it lean and healthy!
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This will add amazing flavor to your filling!
5. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Now, stir in your cooked brown rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until it’s all heated through. This mixture will be the delicious heart of your stuffed peppers!
6. Stuff the Peppers:
Take spoonfuls of the beef and rice mixture and carefully pack it into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to fill them nicely. Don’t worry if a little spills out; it will just add to the dish!
7. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper, making it extra cheesy! Then, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This helps the peppers get tender and the cheese to bubble up beautifully!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once the peppers are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your delicious and colorful stuffed bell peppers! They’re not only tasty but also look fantastic on the table.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using leaner meats, as they might cook a bit quicker.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these stuffed bell peppers vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with additional cooked brown rice, beans (like black beans or kidney beans), or sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. This way, you keep the texture and add more nutrients!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance! Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, you can skip the preheating time by putting them directly in the oven, but adjust your cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover them with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quick option. Enjoy them as a quick meal prep for lunch!
