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Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy ground beef and rice stuffed inside tender bell peppers, perfect for cozy dinners and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, red or yellow preferred for sweetness)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. Set aside tops for chopping if desired.
  3. Cook rice if not using leftover: cook 1/2 cup uncooked rice according to package instructions to yield about 1 cup cooked. Let cool slightly.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and pepper tops if using; sauté 4-5 minutes until softened.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  6. Add ground beef to skillet, break up with spoon, and cook 6-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  8. Stuff each bell pepper cavity with filling, packing lightly but not too tight. Place peppers upright in a baking dish.
  9. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to steam peppers and heat filling.
  10. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook rice al dente to avoid mushy filling. Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent oily filling. Use foil during baking to keep peppers moist. Taste filling before stuffing and adjust seasoning. Leftovers reheat well covered in oven to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, rice, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, savory stuffed peppers

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/savory-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-ground-beef-and-rice-easy-recipe-to-try-tonight/