Delicious Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Beef Recipe

The smell of roasted peppers wafting through the kitchen can instantly transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean villa. Imagine the vibrant colors, the savory aroma of beef and spices mingling with the earthy scent of freshly cooked rice. Stuffed peppers with rice and beef is not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. It was one of those chilly evenings where warmth was not just desired but mandatory. As the stuffed peppers bubbled away in the oven, we gathered around the table, anticipation hanging in the air like an unspoken promise of deliciousness.

To this day, my friends still talk about that night—the laughter, the stories shared, and of course, those delectable stuffed peppers that stole the show.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red or yellow for sweetness; fresh ones are key to a great presentation.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while ensuring rich flavor.

• Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly here; it saves time and adds texture.

• Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances flavor; sauté until translucent for best results.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add zest; don’t skimp on this aromatic hero.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes to provide moisture and acidity; they balance out flavors beautifully.

• Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates a golden crust; mix your favorites like mozzarella or cheddar.

• Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices elevate the flavor profile; smoked paprika is particularly delightful here.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie all ingredients together; adjust according to your preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out seeds gently without tearing them apart.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent—about 5 minutes—adding minced garlic halfway through for aromatic goodness.

Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned all over and no pink remains—this should take about 7-10 minutes.

Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in cooked rice, canned tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined—let those flavors mingle for about 5 minutes.

Stuff Your Peppers: Carefully spoon the beef-rice mixture into each bell pepper until overflowing slightly—don’t be shy! Place them upright in a baking dish.

Add Cheese Topping**: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each stuffed pepper before covering the dish with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes covered; remove foil for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Enjoy these stunning stuffed peppers with rice and beef hot from the oven—they’re sure to be an instant hit at your dinner table!

You Must Know

• Stuffed peppers with rice and beef are a delightful meal that’s not only filling but also visually stunning
• Their vibrant colors and enticing aroma make dinner feel special, even on a regular weeknight
• You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the filling for efficiency. Sauté the beef until browned, then mix in cooked rice and seasonings before stuffing the peppers. Bake them until tender for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the beef for turkey or add veggies like zucchini and corn for extra nutrition. Cheese lovers can sprinkle some mozzarella on top before baking for a gooey finish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few minutes or bake them at 350°F until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• When making stuffed peppers with rice and beef, use long-grain rice for better texture and flavor absorption
• Make sure to season your meat well; this is where most of the flavor comes from
• Don’t overstuff the peppers; they need room to cook evenly!

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around, laughing and sharing stories over these colorful delights. The smiles on my loved ones’ faces were priceless!

FAQ

What type of rice works best in stuffed peppers with rice and beef?

Long-grain rice is ideal as it maintains its texture and absorbs flavors well.

Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance, then bake just before serving.

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

Serve with a light salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal that complements the peppers.

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Delicious Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Beef

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Savor the delightful flavors of stuffed peppers filled with seasoned ground beef and aromatic rice. This vibrant dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, making it perfect for any occasion—whether a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress family and friends alike.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large bell peppers (red or yellow)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned (7-10 minutes).
4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let flavors meld for about 5 minutes.
5. Stuff each pepper generously with the beef-rice mixture and place upright in a baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (250g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg