Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe

Are you looking for a meal that is both filling and colorful? Stuffed peppers are perfect for easy dinners. They are made with ground beef and turn simple ingredients into a family-pleasing weeknight supper. The mix of lean ground beef with shallots, garlic, mushrooms, rice, and cheese creates a comforting dish.

Stuffed peppers are loved in many kitchens because you can change them up. Add things like celery, carrots, spinach, beans, chicken, or quinoa to make it your own. They are great for a busy weeknight dinner or when you want to prep meals ahead of time. Ground beef stuffed peppers are a hit every time.

Key Takeaways

  • Stuffed peppers make for easy dinners and are perfect for a weeknight supper.
  • This recipe involves simple ingredients like lean ground beef, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, rice, and cheese.
  • Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are recommended for better taste, avoiding the bitterness of green peppers.
  • Prep time is approximately 15 minutes with a total cooking time of 55 minutes.
  • The recipe includes gluten-free adaptable options and convenient make-ahead tips, perfect for busy schedules.

Introduction to Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish loved by many for their tasty flavors and flexibility. They have become a cherished part of many different cultures’ cuisines around the world. From the familiar scents that remind us of home to bold new takes, every version has its special allure.

History of Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers have been around for centuries, with each culture adding its own twist. Different societies filled them with local spices, meats, and grains. They were more than just food; they were a way to bring families together. The version familiar to Americans often reminds us of comforting, home-cooked meals from the past.

Popularity and Variations Across Different Cuisines

Today, stuffed peppers are loved worldwide, each version reflecting local flavors. In the Mediterranean, they might be filled with herbs, rice, and seafood. Eastern European types can have a mix of meat and sauerkrait. There are also vegetarian and vegan versions, showing how versatile stuffed peppers are.

Now, we can find stuffed bears filled with quinoa, lentils, various cheeses, and spices. This speaks to our ability to innovate and adapt traditional dishes to modern tastes and nutritional needs. Truly, stuffed peppers celebrate our global culinary creativity.

Ingredients Needed for Stuffed Bell Peppers

To make stuffed bell peppers, start with the best ingredients. The bell peppers and the tasty ground beef are key. Each part of the recipe is important for a delicious outcome.

Choosing the Right Bell Peppers

Look for firm, bright bell peppers without wrinkles or soft spots. Red, orange, and yellow peppers are sweeter. They mix well with the savory fillings. Picking the right bell peppers makes your dish flavorful.

Ground Beef and Seasoning Essentials

The ground beef you choose matters a lot. Aim for an 85/15 or 90/10 mix for the best flavor and moisture. Adding spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano makes the beef tasty. These spices give the beef a deep flavor that goes well with the sweet bell peppers.

Additional Fillings and Toppings

Adding brown rice or quinoa brings texture and nutrients. Note, brown rice can take up to an hour to cook. White rice cooks faster, in less than 30 minutes. Topping your peppers with cheese like Monterey Jack makes them even more delicious. Cheese is the final touch that ties everything together.

Preparing Your Bell Peppers

Getting your bell peppers ready is key for an amazing stuffed pepper dish. You need to cut and clean them. You also should par-cook them to make them tender and stuffable.

How to Cut and Clean Bell Peppers

First, slice the bell peppers in half from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and the parts inside to make them ready for your stuffing. It’s important for them to look good and cook evenly. Here are some tips:

  • Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
  • Rinse peppers well to get rid of seeds.
  • Dry them with a towel so they’re not too wet when you cook them.

Methods for Par-Cooking Bell Peppers

Par-cooking bell peppers makes them the perfect texture. It helps them keep their shape and taste great when they’re baked. Many like to roast them for a sweet flavor. Here’s how you can par-cook:

  1. Roasting: Heat your oven to 375°F. Put the cleaned peppers on a sheet, cut side down, and roast for about 15 minutes.
  2. Boiling: Boil the pepper halves for 5 minutes, then cool them in ice water.
  3. Microwaving: Put the peppers in a dish with some water, cover with plastic, and microwave for 3-4 minutes.

Using these methods, your bell peppers will be perfect for stuffing. Good prep makes your dish even better!

Preparation Technique Duration Result
Roasting 15 minutes Soft with enhanced flavor
Boiling 5 minutes Softened but maintains shape
Microwaving 3-4 minutes Tender with slight crispness

Cooking the Ground Beef Filling

Starting with cooking ground beef is key to delicious stuffed bell peppers. It creates a hearty base for your meal.

Tenderizing the Beef

Tenderizing ground beef makes it juicy and soft. A good way to do this is with baking soda. Adding a bit to the beef before cooking makes it moist and tasty.

Sautéing Onions and Garlic

Flavor starts with sautéed vegetables. Heat up three tablespoons of olive oil, then add chopped yellow onion. When the onion looks clear, mix in minced garlic. This adds deep flavors to the beef, making it smell and taste great.

Adding Spices and Flavorings

Choosing the right spice blends is important. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Then, stir in tomato sauce. This mix enhances the beef and balances the peppers’ sweetness.

By cooking beef this way and picking your spices, you’ll get a filling that’s tasty and rich. This ensures your stuffed bell peppers are a hit.

Assembling Your Stuffed Bell Peppers

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start the fun part: assembling your peppers. Making sure everything fits together well is key. Let’s talk about how to stuff and top your peppers just right.

Filling the Peppers

First, place your half-cooked bell pepper halves on a baking sheet. Next, spoon in the mix of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce into each pepper. Aim to fill each pepper evenly so every bite is flavorful.

Topping with Cheese

After stuffing the peppers, it’s time for cheese. Choose Cheddar or Monterey Jack for the best flavor match. Cover the tops well with cheese to keep the insides juicy while baking. This cheese layer will turn golden-brown, adding to the dish’s appeal. Now, your peppers are oven-ready.

Baking Instructions

Baking stuffed peppers right needs attention to your oven’s details. Watching the temperature and time makes sure they’re cooked just right. This way, the filling is hot, savory, and a joy to taste.

Optimal Baking Temperature and Time

Heat your oven to 375°F for best results. At this temperature, the peppers cook well and the stuffing gets just right.

Bake them for 40-45 minutes for perfect peppers and filling. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

After putting the peppers in the oven, cover them with foil for 30 minutes. This makes them cook well. Take off the foil for the last 10-15 minutes. This makes the cheese golden and bubbly. Here’s the bake time in short:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cover peppers with foil, bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Take off foil, bake 10-15 minutes more.

stuffed pepper baking

Ensuring Even Cooking

Making sure stuffed peppers cook evenly is key. Every bite should taste and feel just right.

Here are tips for even cooking:

  • Par-cook the peppers: Boil them a bit before stuffing. This ensures they cook evenly.
  • Distribute the filling evenly: Fill each pepper the same to bake evenly.
  • Rotate the tray: Turn the tray halfway through baking for even heat.

Getting stuffed peppers just right means following these oven steps closely. This makes sure each pepper is delicious and cooked through.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a classic, yet adaptable stuffed peppers recipe, you’ve found it. This guide not only walks you through the key steps for delicious stuffed peppers. It also offers ways to tweak the recipe and tips to make it your own.

Full Recipe Steps

Let’s start making perfect stuffed bell peppers. Here’s an easy guide:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare 6 whole bell peppers by cutting off their tops and removing the seeds.
  3. In a large skillet, cook 3 lbs of ground beef and ½ lb. of ground Italian sausage until browned.
  4. Add 1 cup of chopped yellow onions, 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic, and 1 large diced zucchini until tender.
  5. Stir in 2 cups of cooked rice, 3 cups of ketchup, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and spices. Then mix it all.
  6. Include 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
  7. Fill the bell peppers with the meat mix generously.
  8. Put them upright in a baking dish and add 2 cups of chicken stock around them.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover, add cheese, and bake for 10 more minutes.

Total Cook Time: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Makes 6 stuffed bell peppers.

Alternative Variations and Tips

Looking to tweak this stuffed peppers recipe? Here are some great alternatives and cooking tips:

  • Use cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
  • Try quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
  • Opt for turkey or chicken instead of beef for something lighter.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or blue cheese.
  • Add spices like paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

These recipe variations and cooking tips let you match stuffed bell peppers to your dietary needs or flavor preferences perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

So, you’ve prepared and baked tasty stuffed bell peppers. Now, you might wonder what to pair them with. This part will suggest great side dishes and drinks to turn your meal into a feast.

stuffed bell peppers serving

Side Dish Ideas

Stuffed bell peppers have rich flavors and textures. Adding a variety of side dishes can provide balance. Your taste buds will be happy with these choices:

  • Light Salad: A crisp salad with greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette brings freshness and crunch to your plate.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add nutrients. They perfectly match the hearty peppers.
  • Cornbread: Warm cornbread adds sweetness. It balances the savory beef stuffing nicely.

Beverage Pairings

Your drink choice greatly affects the meal experience. Here are beverage pairings that enhance your stuffed bell peppers:

  • Robust Red Wine: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the peppers’ rich meaty flavors.
  • Refreshing Beer: A crisp lager or IPA refreshes your palate. It contrasts the heavy stuffing nicely.
  • Non-Alcoholic Options: Herbal iced tea or sparkling water with lemon complements the meal. They don’t overpower the flavors.

When you consider these side dishes and drinks, planning your stuffed bell peppers meal is easier. You’ll enhance the dining experience, creating a memorable meal. Your guests are sure to enjoy it.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Getting your stuffed bell peppers ready ahead of time makes cooking way easier. It means you get tasty meals without the last-minute rush. Tips below will help you keep them fresh and delicious.

First, put your peppers together but don’t bake them yet. You can microwave the peppers for 3-5 minutes to soften them a bit. This trick helps keep their texture perfect for when you bake them later.

To keep them for a short time, put the peppers in a container and refrigerate. They will stay good for up to 5 days. When it’s time to eat, cover them with foil and bake as directed. Remove the foil halfway through and finish baking.

If you want to store them longer, freeze the peppers for up to 3 months. Baking from frozen will need about 30 more minutes. For a quick meal, microwave each serving for 2 minutes.

Discover more about these make-ahead dishes and how to store stuffed peppers easily.

Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories 201 kcal
Carbohydrates 14g
Protein 18g
Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 49mg
Potassium 432mg
Fiber 3g
Sugar 4g
Vitamin A 2916IU
Vitamin C 80mg
Calcium 153mg
Iron 3mg

With these meal prep tips, you’ll find enjoying your stuffed bell peppers is simple. You’ll save time and effort, making your busy days a little less hectic.

Conclusion

Making your own stuffed bell peppers with ground beef is a joyful and satisfying activity. This dish mixes different tastes and textures. It’s perfect for family dinners or special moments. Every bite is a blend of flavorful beef, soft bell peppers, and melting cheese. It pleases everyone at dinner.

Stuffed bell peppers are famous for their rich history and flexibility. They are beloved worldwide. The Costco Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers show that you can enjoy quality and taste easily. Each pepper has 280 calories, 15 grams of fat, and plenty of protein and vitamins. They are tasty and healthy.

You can make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time and keep them ready. Store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze for months. They adapt to many tastes, making them perfect for all. With a 74% flavor approval, these peppers will enhance any family dinner. Enjoy the process of stuffing, baking, and eating them, making every meal special.

FAQ

What type of bell peppers should I use for stuffed peppers?

Pick bell peppers that are firm, bright, and smooth. Choose red, orange, or yellow peppers for their sweet taste.

How do I properly prepare bell peppers for stuffing?

Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom. Make sure to remove all seeds and membranes. Par-cook them to achieve a tender-crisp texture; roasting also makes them sweet.

What seasonings work best with ground beef for stuffed peppers?

Seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and oregano make ground beef taste great. Cooked onions and garlic add even more flavor to the beef.

Can I use different fillings for my stuffed bell peppers?

Yes, feel free to use fillings like rice, quinoa, or other meats such as turkey or chicken. Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar for new tastes.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time for stuffed peppers?

Bake them at 375°F to 400°F for 35-45 minutes for best results. Cover with foil at the start and then uncover to brown the cheese.

How can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?

Assemble your stuffed peppers early and keep them in the fridge for a few days or freeze for longer. Adjust baking time when cooking.

What are some good side dishes to serve with stuffed bell peppers?

Light salads, steamed veggies, or cornbread are great sides. Try red wine or beer to make your meal even better.

How do I ensure my ground beef filling stays juicy?

Soften the beef with baking soda, and mix in cooked onions, garlic, and spices. This keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.

Can I adjust the recipe to meet dietary needs?

Of course. Opt for turkey or plant-based proteins instead of beef. Use grains like quinoa for healthier options. Tailor seasonings and toppings as you like.