Description
These stuffed peppers are a cozy, saucy, high-protein dinner with juicy ground beef and rice baked inside tender bell peppers and finished with melty cheese.
Ingredients
– 6 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
Filling
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce (plus extra as needed)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
For Baking Dish
– 1/2 cup water (for steam)
Optional Toppings
– Chopped parsley
– Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
– Hot sauce or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Brush with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Stand peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook onion in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, optional Worcestershire, and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes on low. Stir in cooked rice and 1/2 cup cheese.
- Fill peppers with the mixture. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Uncover, top peppers with remaining cheese, and bake 10–15 minutes more until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and lightly golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Protein swap: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
– Grain swap: Use cooked quinoa or brown rice; for lower-carb, use cauliflower rice (stir in at the end).
– Make-ahead: Prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Stuff and bake when ready.
– Tools: Large skillet, baking dish, aluminum foil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American