Hearty Ground Beef & Brown Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Colorful bell peppers burst with delicious potential when stuffed with savory ground beef and hearty brown rice.

This classic comfort dish brings robust flavors together in one delightful meal.

The combination of tender peppers and seasoned meat creates a satisfying dinner that everyone loves.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this straightforward recipe.

Packed with protein and nutrients, these stuffed peppers offer a balanced and wholesome option for busy families.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds.

Dive into this simple yet mouthwatering recipe and transform your dinner routine.

Why Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Are a Win

• Perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques, this stuffed bell peppers recipe offers simple steps anyone can master.
• Packed with lean protein from ground beef, fiber-rich brown rice, and vitamin-loaded bell peppers, this dish delivers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Customizable and appealing to both kids and adults, these stuffed peppers transform everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup required, this recipe combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single baking dish, making meal preparation and post-dinner cleaning a breeze.

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that serve as the edible vessel for the savory filling.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides a hearty and flavorful base for the stuffing.
• Brown Rice: Nutritious whole grain that adds texture and substance to the filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a robust flavor profile for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the overall taste of the stuffed peppers.

• Dried Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add depth and complexity to the beef and rice mixture.
• Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melty topping that provides a creamy and slightly sharp finish to the stuffed peppers.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a bright, finishing garnish.

Instructions for Making Bell Pepper Stuffed Delights

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and nestle your bell peppers inside, standing them upright with their tops cut off.

Step 2: Dance with the Veggies

Splash olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and let them sizzle and soften for 3-4 minutes.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it shimmy around for another minute.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Drop the ground beef into the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Let it sear and brown for 5-6 minutes until it’s completely cooked.

If there’s extra grease, give it a quick drain.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Cooked brown rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Smoked paprika

Let the mixture bubble and blend for 4-5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Stuff Those Peppers

Scoop the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper.

Pack it down firmly so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Initial Bake

Slide the peppers into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch them start to soften and become tender.

Step 7: Cheese Magic

Pull the peppers out and shower them with Cheddar Jack cheese.

Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Rescue the peppers from the oven and let them cool briefly.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve these beauties while they’re warm and inviting.

Tips to Nail These Beefy Bell Peppers

• Pat bell peppers dry before stuffing to reduce excess moisture and ensure a firmer texture.
• Toast dried herbs like oregano in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Use slightly undercooked brown rice when mixing with beef, as it will continue cooking in the oven and prevent mushiness.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a smoother topping.
• Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop; bake just before serving for optimal taste and freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Peppers

• Transfer leftover stuffed bell peppers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single stuffed pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

Sides That Go with Stuffed Peppers

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and smoky paprika flavors, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Boost with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil to balance the hearty stuffed peppers and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Tangy Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick tzatziki-style yogurt sauce with cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon juice to provide a cool, creamy accompaniment that cuts through the dish's richness.
• Complement with Crisp Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or pale lager with mild hoppy notes to refresh the palate and stand up to the robust ground beef and melted cheese flavors.

Stuffed Pepper Ideas to Switch Things Up

• Vegetarian Pepper Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients like tomato paste and spices are certified gluten-free, and swap regular rice with quinoa for an additional nutrient boost that keeps the recipe safe for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute brown rice with riced cauliflower to dramatically reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar consistency and adding extra vegetables to the stuffing mixture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remake: Incorporate feta cheese instead of Cheddar Jack, add kalamata olives, and mix in fresh herbs like oregano and mint to transform the recipe with a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Just ensure the alternative is pre-cooked and has a similar texture to maintain the recipe’s consistency.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free ingredients. Double-check your tomato paste and seasonings to confirm they don’t contain gluten.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat level. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Beef And Brown Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty stuffed bell peppers blend savory ground beef and nutty brown rice into a comforting Mexican-inspired dish. Bold flavors and simple ingredients make this one-pan meal a perfect weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1.5 cups cooked brown rice
• 7 large bell peppers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish at 375°F (190°C), positioning bell peppers upright with cut sides facing upward.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly without scorching.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, crumbling with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until completely browned, removing excess fat if necessary.
4. Incorporate cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and smoked paprika into the meat mixture. Simmer 4-5 minutes, allowing flavors to integrate and sauce to reduce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Carefully fill each bell pepper with the beef-rice mixture, pressing firmly to compact the stuffing.
6. Transfer stuffed peppers to the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes until peppers soften slightly.
7. Extract the baking dish and generously sprinkle Cheddar Jack cheese over each pepper. Return to oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden bubbling surface.
8. Remove from oven, allow brief cooling, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Opt for quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing meat with black beans, lentils, or a mix of roasted vegetables to keep the filling hearty and satisfying.
• Pre-cook bell peppers briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to ensure they become tender faster and more evenly during baking, preventing undercooked or tough pepper shells.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg