Ground Beef And Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Highlighted under: Hearty House Classics
I can’t tell you how much I love making Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers! The combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef and gooey, melted cheese creates a comforting dish that my family adores. We enjoy customizing our peppers with different cheese and spices, making each batch unique. It’s also a nourishing way to incorporate veggies into our meals. After trying various methods, I found that baking the stuffed peppers at a higher temperature helps them maintain their shape while achieving a delightful char.
When I first made Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers, I was on the hunt for a filling meal that wasn't just a one-note dish. After some experimenting with spices and herbs, I landed on a blend that enhances the beef while complementing the sweetness of the peppers beautifully. It's amazing how adding a touch of garlic powder and smoked paprika transforms the filling!
One crucial tip I picked up is to pre-roast the pepper shells slightly before stuffing them—this helps them cook evenly, and the flavors meld together perfectly during baking. Trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Flavorful and filling meal using affordable ingredients
- Versatile: customize with your favorite spices and cheeses
- Healthy option packed with protein and vegetables
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious stuffed peppers:
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Make sure to get everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the most amazing stuffed peppers:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed peppers cook evenly.
Prepare the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly roast them in the oven for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned.
Mix Ingredients
Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese.
Stuff the Peppers
Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture, pressing down gently. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Bake
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Serve
Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Enjoy your flavorful stuffed peppers fresh from the oven!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try sprinkling some Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence into the beef mixture. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter option.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. Just make sure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag.
→ What can I use instead of beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
→ Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While bell peppers are popular, you could also try using poblano or even zucchini for a different twist.
Ground Beef And Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Created by: Elodie Brooks
Recipe Type: Hearty House Classics
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed peppers cook evenly.
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly roast them in the oven for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned.
Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese.
Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture, pressing down gently. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try sprinkling some Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence into the beef mixture. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g