Description
This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe combines lean ground beef, nutritious brown rice, and vibrant bell peppers filled with a flavorful tomato and spice mixture, topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. Perfect for a satisfying, wholesome family meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Produce
- 7 large bell peppers
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
Pantry Items
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as preferred.
- Stuff Peppers: Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully stuff each of the 7 large bell peppers with the beef and rice mixture, packing it gently but firmly.
- Initial Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes to heat through and soften the peppers slightly.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm as a hearty and delicious main dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa or white rice according to preference.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil when serving.
- Bell peppers can be any color; red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to be sweeter and more tender when baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
