Name: Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Shredded cheese (optional)

When I think of comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, my mind immediately drifts to stuffed bell peppers filled with tender ground beef. Picture this: glossy green and yellow bell peppers bursting at the seams with a savory mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and a medley of spices. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that dances on your palate, making even the grumpiest person crack a smile.

As I reminisce about my childhood kitchen adventures, I can almost hear my mom’s laughter as she let me help stuff those colorful beauties. We’d whip up these delightful meals during busy weeknights or when company was over—because nothing says “welcome” quite like the aroma of baked bell peppers wafting through the house. Get ready to create unforgettable memories around your dining table with these stuffed bell peppers ground beef!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These stuffed bell peppers are not just easy to make; they’re a feast for your eyes and taste buds alike
The flavor combination is incredible and perfect for any occasion
You can customize them to fit your dietary needs or whatever you have in your pantry
Plus, they make for great leftovers the next day!

I still remember the look on my best friend’s face when I first served these at a dinner party last summer—pure joy!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Bell Peppers: Choose firm ones in vibrant colors; red, yellow, and green all work beautifully and add visual appeal.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier version; it absorbs flavors well while keeping everything moist.
Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works great; it adds texture and helps bind everything together without being too sticky.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity; plus, they enhance the flavor profile of your filling.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic provide depth—sautéing them releases wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen.
Cumin and Paprika: These spices are essential; they bring warmth and richness that elevate your stuffed pepper experience significantly.
Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking adds a melty finish that everyone loves!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds—this creates cozy little bowls for our filling.

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes will do wonders!

Brown the Beef: Add in the ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook until browned all over; break it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly.

Mix Filling Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture until everything is well combined.

Stuff Those Peppers: Generously spoon the beef mixture into each hollowed-out pepper until they’re overflowing—who doesn’t love an extra hearty serving?

Bake to Perfection: Place them upright in a baking dish filled with a little water (to steam). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil for an additional 10 minutes until tops are golden brown.

Now you’ve got yourself some incredible stuffed bell peppers ground beef that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

You Must Know

Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef are a delightful combination of flavors and textures
They are visually appealing, with vibrant colors that brighten any dinner table
The aroma while baking is irresistible, making it hard to wait for them to cool down before digging in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the filling on the stovetop before hollowing out the peppers. This ensures each pepper gets fully stuffed and cooked evenly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding beans or rice to the filling for extra texture and nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a cheesy surprise inside.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for the best flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked stuffed bell peppers, allow them to bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes
This gives the tops a nice golden color
Make sure to use firm peppers so they hold their shape while cooking
Always taste your filling before stuffing; seasoning is key!

Creating stuffed bell peppers became a family tradition when my kids discovered they loved helping me mix ingredients. Their laughter echoed through the kitchen as we tried not to spill anything!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives that still pack plenty of flavor.

How do I know when my stuffed bell peppers are done?

They’re ready when the peppers are tender and easily pierced with a fork, usually around 30-40 minutes.

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers for later?

Yes, they freeze well! Just make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping and storing in freezer-safe containers.