These delicious stuffed bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese—similar to the dish shown in your image.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 large bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the bell peppers.
- Cut them in half and remove seeds and membranes.
- Place them in a baking dish.
Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add tomatoes, paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked rice if using.
Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the beef mixture generously into each pepper half.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle plenty of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nut Information
Naturally Nut-Free: This recipe contains no nuts.
Important: Check the labels of:
- Cheese
- Seasoning blends
- Ground beef products
Make sure there is no cross-contamination if serving someone with a serious nut allergy.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works perfectly.
Q: Can I make it without rice?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the rice for a lower-carb version.
Q: Which cheese is best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great choices.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, beans, or plant-based meat.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.