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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a comforting and wholesome meal featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, brown rice, tomatoes, and spices, all baked to tender perfection and topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe balances flavor and nutrition in an effortless one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stuffing

  • 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 Medium Onion, diced
  • 2–3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
  • 1½ Cups Cooked Brown Rice
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (1 can)
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

For the Peppers and Topping

  • 7 Large Bell Peppers, tops and cores removed
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
  • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the 7 large bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish or rimmed tray, ready to be stuffed.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in 1½ cups of cooked brown rice, the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons of paprika. Mix well.
  5. Simmer Stuffing Mixture: Continue cooking until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  6. Stuff the Peppers: Evenly spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper until filled.
  7. Bake Filled Peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, until the peppers are mostly tender but still hold their shape.
  8. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the tops of the peppers. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty stuffed bell peppers.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa or cauliflower rice for different textures or dietary needs.
  • Adjust paprika quantity according to your preferred level of smokiness and heat.
  • Bell peppers can be of any color; red, yellow, or orange will add a sweeter flavor.
  • Leftover stuffing mixture can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for future use.
  • To soften peppers faster, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before stuffing and baking.

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, easy stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, healthy dinner recipes

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/easy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe/