Description
Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 ¼ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil.
- Place the peppers upright in a 9×13 baking dish and pre-bake for 10–12 minutes to soften.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season the meat mixture with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat and transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Stir until well incorporated.
- Spoon the mixture into each pre-baked pepper, pressing gently to compact the filling.
- Return the stuffed peppers to the baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top each pepper with shredded cheese, and return to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs like parsley.
Notes
- These stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier option.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil can enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg