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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

4.6 from 78 reviews

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe features tender bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, brown rice, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Topped with melted cheddar jack cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this wholesome and delicious dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 Medium Onion, diced
  • 23 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
  • 1½ Cups 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

Other Ingredients

  • 7 Large Bell Peppers, tops and cores removed
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
  • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the prepared bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish or rimmed tray to be filled later.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for 5-6 minutes until fully browned.
  4. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Stuff Peppers and Bake: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the peppers are mostly tender.
  6. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy your easy, hearty stuffed bell peppers!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
  • For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes with the paprika.
  • Cooked brown rice can be replaced with quinoa or cauliflower rice for variation or lower carbs.
  • If you prefer softer peppers, you can parboil them for 3-5 minutes before stuffing and baking.
  • To keep this dish gluten-free, double-check that your tomato paste and canned tomatoes contain no added gluten.

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, beef stuffed peppers, easy dinner recipe, baked stuffed peppers, ground beef recipe, healthy stuffed peppers, brown rice stuffed peppers