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Easy Savory Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers

ground beef and rice stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring savory ground beef and fluffy rice stuffed inside colorful bell peppers, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange preferred)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and set aside.
  3. Cook the rice if not already cooked.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  7. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  8. Combine beef mixture with cooked rice in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture without packing too tightly.
  10. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Optionally place the tops back on.
  11. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  12. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  13. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overstuff peppers to prevent bursting. Use day-old rice for better texture. Drain excess fat after browning beef. Optionally blanch peppers for 2 minutes if too firm. Let peppers rest after baking for juicier filling. Adjust seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, savory stuffed peppers, ground beef and rice