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Looking for a hearty, satisfying dish the whole family will love? These stuffed bell peppers are packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese—all wrapped in a perfectly baked pepper. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Peppers:
- 6 medium green bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 box (about 6.8 oz) Spanish-style rice mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (for cooking the rice)
- 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese for extra creaminess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds inside. If you’d like, save the tops to use later as a garnish. To soften the peppers, blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain well and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and the onion turns soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat and set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Make the Rice
Prepare the Spanish-style rice mix according to the package instructions, but instead of using plain water, cook it with the can of diced tomatoes. This adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the filling.
Step 4: Fill the Peppers
Once the rice is done, mix it with the cooked beef and onion mixture. Stir well to combine everything. Then, carefully stuff each bell pepper with this flavorful filling, pressing down gently to make sure they’re packed to the top.
Step 5: Add the Tomato Sauce
In a small bowl, stir the sugar into the tomato sauce to balance out the acidity. Pour this sauce around the stuffed peppers in the baking dish, letting it pool at the bottom without covering the tops of the peppers. This helps keep them moist and flavorful as they bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the peppers hot, spooning some of the delicious tomato sauce over each portion for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
🌿 Customize It: Want to add more veggies? Stir in some chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrients.
🥩 Switch It Up: Not a fan of beef? Try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter twist.
🌶 Spice Lovers: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your filling a kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a wholesome, well-balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one. They’re easy to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for leftovers—just pop them in the fridge and reheat for a quick, delicious meal.
Have your own special twist on this recipe? We’d love to hear how you make your stuffed peppers uniquely yours!
For more mouthwatering recipes, be sure to follow our page. Happy cooking! 🍽✨
This version is fully rewritten to sound natural and engaging while keeping the essence of the original recipe. Let me know if you’d like any refinements! 😊