Delicious Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Beef Recipe

Stuffed peppers with rice and beef are like little edible presents wrapped in vibrant green, red, or yellow skins, bursting with flavor and warmth. Picture tender peppers cradling a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, all mingling together to create a mouthwatering experience that dances on your taste buds.

I remember the first time I made these stuffed beauties for my friends; they practically staged a standing ovation at the dinner table. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, stuffed peppers are versatile enough to steal the show any time you serve them. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Sharing my stuffed peppers with family led to delighted smiles and full bellies as everyone savored the flavors.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful peppers for the best flavor and visual appeal; red, yellow, or green all work!

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.

• Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly; just ensure it’s fluffy and not overly sticky.

• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for the best results.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch; slice or mince it according to your preference.

• Spices: Use cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors of your filling.

• Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce keeps everything moist while adding rich flavor; opt for low-sodium if preferred.

• Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully over the top; cheddar or mozzarella both add wonderful creaminess.

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). Carefully slice the tops off each pepper and remove the seeds, creating little bowls ready for stuffing.

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic until fragrant.

Cook the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as you go along.

Add Rice & Seasonings: Stir in cooked rice along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined and heated through for about 2-3 minutes.

Stuff Your Peppers: Spoon generous amounts of the beef-rice mixture into each prepared pepper. Place them upright in a baking dish that fits snugly so they won’t topple over.

Bake & Top with Cheese: Pour tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers then cover them loosely with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes before removing foil and sprinkling cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Now you’re ready to impress! Serve these delightful stuffed peppers hot from the oven alongside your favorite sides or just enjoy them solo as a hearty meal! These little bundles of joy will definitely become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the beef and onions first, then mix in rice and spices before stuffing the peppers. Bake until tender for mouthwatering results.

Add Your Touch

Try swapping ground turkey for beef or adding black beans for extra texture. Feel free to sprinkle cheese on top for added flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best taste.

While making stuffed peppers with rice and beef, my uncle thought he could outdo my recipe by adding pineapple. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well, but we laughed it off over dinner.

FAQ

Can I use other proteins instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as alternatives for stuffed peppers.

How long do I bake stuffed peppers?

Bake them at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until they’re tender.

Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a day before and bake when ready to serve.