Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers (Print-Friendly Version)
Colorful peppers filled with tender beef, fluffy rice, cheese, and tomato, baked to melty, savory perfection.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
02 -
1 medium onion, diced
03 -
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
450 g lean ground beef
05 -
225 g cooked brown rice
06 -
410 g canned diced tomatoes
07 -
1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon smoked paprika
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 -
7 large bell peppers, tops removed and cored
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100 g shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
13 -
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Preheat oven to 190°C. Arrange bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish or on a rimmed tray.
02 -
In a large pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 -
Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5–6 minutes.
04 -
Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens slightly, 4–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Bake until peppers are nearly tender, 10–12 minutes.
06 -
Evenly sprinkle shredded Cheddar Jack cheese over stuffed peppers. Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted.
07 -
Remove peppers from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or low-carb variation. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter filling, or swap cheese for a lighter shredding blend. Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
02 -
Smoked paprika imparts a robust depth; use two teaspoons for a milder flavor if desired.