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Cozy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice - featured image
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A comforting and easy stuffed bell peppers recipe featuring ground beef, rice, and savory seasonings, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain), rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (smooth variety)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds and membranes. Keep the tops for baking if desired.
  3. Parboil the rice: bring 2 cups (480 ml) of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rinsed rice and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Stir in parboiled rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Stuff each bell pepper cavity with the beef and rice mixture, pressing lightly to pack but not overflow.
  8. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour about 1/4 cup (60 ml) water at the bottom to keep moist.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and return to oven until melted and golden.
  10. Let peppers rest slightly before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Parboil the rice to avoid mushy filling. Use a baking dish with sides to keep peppers upright. Tent with foil if peppers brown too fast. Rest before serving for best texture. Can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, lentils, or tofu for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, rice, easy dinner, comfort food, baked peppers, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/cozy-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-ground-beef-and-rice-recipe-easy-and-perfect-dinner/