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Cheesy Baked Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

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4.2 from 52 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Stuffed Peppers Topped with Cheese feature vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and aromatic herbs. Topped generously with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then baked until perfectly tender and golden, this hearty and comforting dish makes for a delicious family dinner that is simple to prepare and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed

Filling

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking the peppers.
  2. Prepare the peppers: Arrange the halved bell peppers cut-side up in the baking dish. Bake them uncovered for 10 minutes to begin softening their texture before filling.
  3. Cook the beef: While the peppers bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 5–7 minutes while breaking up the beef until it’s browned and the onion is tender and translucent.
  4. Add the seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 1 minute to let the flavors meld.
  5. Make the filling: Add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked rice to the skillet. Cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through evenly.
  6. Stuff the peppers: Carefully remove the peppers from the oven. Spoon the prepared beef and rice filling into each halved pepper, filling them generously.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the stuffed peppers to create a cheesy topping.
  8. Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  9. Garnish and serve: Finish by sprinkling the stuffed peppers with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Any color of bell pepper can be used to add your preferred sweetness and color.
  • For a low-carb alternative, substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice.
  • Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef for different flavors.
  • Add extra fillings like black beans, corn, mushrooms, or chopped spinach for added nutrition and variety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for easy reheating and future meals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/cheesy-baked-stuffed-peppers-with-ground-beef-and-rice-recipe/