Quick & Flavorful Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice Recipe

Crafting delicious stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and brown rice can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this hearty dish that combines lean protein and wholesome grains.

Colorful bell peppers create a vibrant canvas for savory fillings that burst with robust flavors.

Nutritious ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients.

You appreciate how simple techniques can produce restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and complementary tastes that satisfy deeply.

Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef and Rice

Main Ingredients:

Bell Peppers: Fresh and colorful peppers that create the perfect vessel for the stuffing.

Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides rich protein and flavor for the filling.

Brown Rice: Wholesome and nutritious grain that adds texture and substance.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth to the meat mixture.
• Oregano, Smoked Paprika: Herbs and spices that bring warmth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Juicy components that create a rich, saucy filling.
• Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy finish and golden color.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for fresh garnish.

• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

How to Make Beef and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Peppers

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F.

Gently place bell peppers in a baking dish with their cut sides facing upward, ready to be filled with delicious goodness.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Drizzle oil into a large pan over medium heat.

Toss in onions and watch them transform into soft, translucent delights.

Add garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Drop ground beef into the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns from pink to a beautiful brown color, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Brown rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Oregano
• Smoked paprika

Let the mixture simmer and reduce for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Season and Taste

Give your mixture a quick taste test.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper until the flavors sing just right.

Step 6: Stuff and Initial Bake

Generously fill each pepper with the beef mixture.

Slide the baking dish into the oven and let the peppers become mostly tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Cheese and Final Bake

Shower the peppers with a blanket of cheese.

Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Juicy Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Carefully slice peppers in half and remove seeds completely to create a clean, spacious cavity for maximum filling potential.
• Use day-old cooled brown rice for better moisture absorption and preventing soggy stuffed peppers during baking.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Toast oregano and smoked paprika in the pan briefly before adding other ingredients to release their aromatic essential oils and intensify taste profile.
• Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate assembled dish, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen stuffed peppers maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, place pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even warming.

Sides That Match Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and smoky paprika flavors, enhancing the dish's hearty profile.
• Serve with Tangy Mediterranean Salad: Create a crisp side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing to balance the stuffed peppers' warmth and add freshness.
• Match with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce: Whip up a cool yogurt-based tzatziki with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory beef and spices.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the stuffed peppers.

Variants for Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for robust flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap brown rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce overall calories and carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb. Add feta cheese, pine nuts, and fresh mint. Include kalamata olives and use Greek oregano for an authentic Mediterranean profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free tomato paste and verify that spices are not cross-contaminated. Double-check labels for hidden gluten sources.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Just ensure the alternative is pre-cooked and has a similar texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free tomato paste and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check labels carefully.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Adjust seasoning to maintain flavor profile and ensure protein content.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

Substitute with regular paprika, or use a mix of chili powder and regular paprika. The smoked version adds depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

Why Stuffed Bell Peppers Hit the Spot

• Boost Family Meal Prep: Easily whip up a nutritious dinner that pleases everyone, with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make weeknight meals a breeze.
• Customize with Flair: Switch up proteins, try different cheeses, or add extra veggies to make this recipe your own personal culinary creation that never gets boring.
• Packed with Nutrition: Combines lean ground beef, protein-rich brown rice, and vitamin-loaded bell peppers for a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a simple cooking process that uses just a pan and baking dish, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without extensive dishwashing.

Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Beef And Brown Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican stuffed bell peppers showcase a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, nutty brown rice, and melted cheese in a colorful pepper shell. Packed with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this classic southwestern-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 7 large bell peppers
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare bell peppers by halving and removing seeds, creating perfect vessels for a hearty beef and rice filling.
2. Warm a skillet over medium heat and gently sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
3. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly, allowing its fragrant essence to infuse the base of the dish.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and browning thoroughly until no pink remains.
5. Incorporate cooked brown rice, creating a robust mixture that combines lean protein with nutty whole grains.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato paste, enhancing the filling with rich, tangy flavors and moisture.
7. Sprinkle oregano and smoked paprika, transforming the mixture with Mediterranean-inspired depth and subtle smokiness.
8. Simmer the mixture, allowing ingredients to meld and sauce to thicken slightly, concentrating the savory profile.
9. Carefully fill each pepper half with the beef and rice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
10. Position stuffed peppers in a preheated 375°F oven, baking until peppers soften and edges begin to caramelize.
11. Shower the peppers with shredded cheese, returning to the oven to create a golden, bubbling top.
12. Finish with a delicate garnish of freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the finished dish.

Notes

• Opt for firm, thick-walled bell peppers that stand upright and have a stable base to prevent tipping during baking.
• Pre-cook brown rice ahead of time or use instant rice to reduce overall preparation time and ensure even cooking.
• Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier protein option with reduced fat content.
• Customize the recipe by adding diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg