Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe features tender bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, brown rice, and a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal perfect for a busy weeknight that packs nutrition and comfort in every bite.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 Medium Onion (diced)
- 2–3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Peppers
- 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed)
Topping & Garnish
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the 7 large bell peppers cut side up into a baking dish or a rimmed tray, ready to be stuffed later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in 1½ cups of cooked brown rice, 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons paprika. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture cook until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper to your liking.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them evenly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish.
- Bake Peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the peppers start to become tender but still hold their shape.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!
Notes
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lower fat content.
- Brown rice is used for added fiber and nutrition; white rice can be used if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, healthy stuffed peppers, baked peppers, brown rice recipe, weeknight meal