Ground Beef And Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef And Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Heartwarming Treats

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers for dinner! It's a simple yet delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor. Every time I prepare these peppers, I'm reminded of the joy of customizing them with my favorite spices and cheese blends. Plus, they are a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into our meals. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, these stuffed peppers always manage to impress my family and friends alike.

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-23T20:21:36.286Z

Preparing Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers has become one of my go-to recipes. The first time I made them, I was overwhelmed by the ease of preparation and the depth of flavor. Mixing tender ground beef with spices, onions, and a melty cheese blend truly makes this dish irresistible.

One tip I've learned along the way is to roast the peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them. This extra step enhances their natural sweetness and helps them hold their shape better during cooking. Believe me, it’s worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously savory filling with a cheesy finish
Nutritious meal packed in vibrant bell peppers
Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for your stuffed peppers, look for ones that are firm with smooth skin and vibrant color. The size of the peppers is crucial; opt for large ones, as they should hold enough filling without compromising their structure. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, yellow or orange peppers work wonderfully, while green peppers offer a slightly bitter flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich filling. Be mindful to choose peppers that stand upright to make the stuffing process easier and prevent spills.

Cutting the tops off the peppers can be done at a slight angle to create a lovely 'hat' effect which enhances the presentation. This method also helps maintain the pepper's integrity during cooking. When cleaning them out, ensure to remove all seeds and membranes; this not only improves the texture of the filling but also contributes to the overall flavor. If you have leftover tops, consider dicing them and adding them to your filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Perfecting the Filling

The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese creates a hearty filling that can be adjusted to meet your preferences. For a milder flavor, try using ground turkey or chicken, while a mixture of ground pork can add depth and richness. To make the dish even more nutritious, feel free to mix in finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Sautéing these vegetables with onions and garlic not only enhances their flavor but also adds moisture to the filling, preventing it from becoming dry when baked.

Cooking your filling to the right consistency is key. Make sure the ground beef is fully browned and there’s minimal liquid left in the skillet before stuffing the peppers. This will ensure the mixture holds together well and doesn’t leak out during baking. Don't forget to taste your filling before spooning it into the peppers; this is your chance to adjust seasoning. You can also experiment with additional herbs or spices like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Serving and Storage Tips

Once baked, let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making them easier to serve without losing their shape. I recommend pairing them with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. For a fun twist, serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten the flavors.

If you have leftovers, they're perfect for meal prepping! Store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them before baking. To reheat, thaw the peppers overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. These make for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner, keeping their delicious flavor intact.

Ingredients

Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Enjoy customizing these stuffed peppers with your favorite spices!

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly coat with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the meat mixture into each bell pepper, packing it lightly. Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!

Feel free to top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños to the filling or using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best aspects of Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers is their versatility. You can easily swap out the cheese; using pepper jack will add a spicy kick, while mozzarella gives a milder, gooey texture. For a vegan or dairy-free option, look into plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegan cheese, which can still create an impressive flavor profile without any animal products.

Don't hesitate to diversify the grains as well! Quinoa or couscous can replace rice for an alternative grain base. Both not only enhance the dish nutritionally but also offer varied textures, making the experience exciting and new with each preparation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find yourself with soggy stuffed peppers post-baking, consider par-cooking them before adding the filling. Simply blanch the hollowed peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes to soften them slightly and eliminate excess moisture. This prevents the filling from becoming waterlogged during baking and contributes to a firmer structure.

Another challenge can be undercooked filling, particularly if you overstuff the peppers. To avoid this, it's better to fill just to the top rather than packing them tightly. This allows the heat to circulate efficiently, ensuring that everything cooks evenly. Remember, the cheese on top should be bubbly and slightly golden for best results!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and will still deliver delicious flavor.

→ How do I prevent the peppers from getting too soft?

Roasting the peppers briefly before stuffing helps them maintain their structure during baking.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Stuff the peppers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold.

→ What other fillings could I try?

Feel free to experiment with black beans, quinoa, or different vegetable combinations for a vegetarian option!