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Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef

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A comforting and easy recipe featuring tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory beef and rice filling, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) – washed, tops cut off and seeds removed
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (about 190 g) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce (no-sugar-added preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set them aside upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it firmly but without overstuffing. Fill all 4 peppers evenly.
  7. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Trim bottoms slightly if they wobble to level them out.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the tops of each stuffed pepper.
  9. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  10. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the peppers before stuffing to avoid mushiness. Brown the beef well for better flavor. Season the filling generously. Use good melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, avoiding pre-shredded cheese if possible. Cover the peppers during baking to keep them moist. Add a splash of water to the baking dish before covering with foil if peppers start to dry out.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy stuffed bell peppers, beef stuffed peppers, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked stuffed peppers

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-beef-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/