Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers
Highlighted under: Warm & Hearty Classics
I absolutely love cooking stuffed peppers, and this Ground Beef and Rice variation is one of my all-time favorites. The combination of flavorful ground beef and tender rice, all nestled inside a sweet bell pepper, makes for a satisfying meal. I enjoy customizing the seasoning to match my family's taste, and the vibrant colors of the peppers create an inviting dish. It's an easy recipe that has become a staple in our home, perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests.
Whenever I make Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers, I always remember the first time I tried the recipe at a friend's house. The flavors just burst in your mouth, and I couldn’t get enough! I learned that browning the beef properly enhances its flavor, and I always include a mix of herbs to elevate the dish further.
As I continued to refine the recipe, I discovered the joy of using different colored peppers for variety. Each pepper brings its unique sweetness, making every bite a delightful surprise. This method not only ensures an attractive presentation but also allows everyone to enjoy their favorite colors!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty filling balanced with sweet peppers
- Customizable to suit any palate
- Perfectly portioned for easy serving
Perfecting Your Stuffed Peppers
When preparing stuffed peppers, the type of bell pepper you choose can greatly influence the final dish. While traditional green peppers offer a slight bitterness that pairs wonderfully with the savory filling, colorful varieties like red, orange, or yellow provide a sweeter flavor that many people find appealing. I recommend mixing colors for a visually stunning presentation during gatherings, as well as adding a variety of tastes to the dish.
To ensure your peppers are tender, but not mushy, consider blanching them before stuffing. Simply boil the peppers for about 3-5 minutes until they just begin to soften. This will enhance their texture during baking and improve overall flavor absorption. Remember to let them cool before adding your filling, so you don’t burn your hands!
Ingredient Insights
The choice of ground beef is essential for achieving a rich, hearty flavor. I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for its ideal balance of meat and fat, which results in juicy filling without being overly greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but make sure to season them well to avoid dryness.
Rice plays a critical role in the stuffed peppers, providing a nice contrast to the meat and balancing the dish. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation. If using brown rice, cook it a bit longer to ensure it softens properly, which will help the filling meld together without becoming too loose.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious stuffed peppers:
For Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create mouthwatering stuffed peppers:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set them aside.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix Filling
In the same skillet, combine cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Stuff the Peppers
Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down lightly. If desired, top with shredded cheese.
Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, add a little water to the bottom, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers hot from the oven!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add some chili flakes to the beef mixture. Experiment with different grains like quinoa for a unique twist!
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the stuffed peppers rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set, making it easier to cut and serve without everything spilling out. They can be plated individually or served family-style, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and an extra burst of flavor.
Consider pairing your stuffed peppers with a simple side salad or crusty bread. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the warmth of the peppers, adding a refreshing crunch that balances their savory nature.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Stuffed peppers can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. They can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, extend the baking time by about 10 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
If you have leftovers, these stuffed peppers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or in the microwave for quicker results, though the oven will help maintain their texture better. You can also freeze cooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day before and stuff the peppers just before baking.
→ What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work great!
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Wrap individual stuffed peppers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers
I absolutely love cooking stuffed peppers, and this Ground Beef and Rice variation is one of my all-time favorites. The combination of flavorful ground beef and tender rice, all nestled inside a sweet bell pepper, makes for a satisfying meal. I enjoy customizing the seasoning to match my family's taste, and the vibrant colors of the peppers create an inviting dish. It's an easy recipe that has become a staple in our home, perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests.
Created by: Arielle Baxter
Recipe Type: Warm & Hearty Classics
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set them aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
In the same skillet, combine cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down lightly. If desired, top with shredded cheese.
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, add a little water to the bottom, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add some chili flakes to the beef mixture. Experiment with different grains like quinoa for a unique twist!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g