Delicious Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers with Melty Cheese

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to transform simple bell peppers into a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Many home cooks shy away from stuffed peppers because they assume the recipe is complicated or time-consuming, or they worry about getting the filling just right. But with this delicious ground beef stuffed peppers with melty cheese recipe, you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. These vibrant stuffed peppers combine juicy ground beef, perfectly spiced seasonings, and gooey melted cheese for a winning dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients List

To create these irresistible stuffed peppers, you’ll need:

– 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, orange, or green)
– 1 pound ground beef (85% lean for the best flavor and texture)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist)
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Possible substitutions and dietary alternatives:
– Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
– Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a gluten-free or higher protein boost.
– Choose vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of dairy cheese to make it dairy-free.
– Replace olive oil with avocado or coconut oil depending on dietary preference.

Timing

– Preparation time: 15 minutes — chopping the peppers, onion, and prepping the filling is quick and straightforward.
– Cook time: 35 minutes — enough time to brown the beef, cook the filling fully, stuff the peppers, and melt that glorious cheese topping.
– Total time: About 50 minutes — perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend family dinner.

As the peppers bake, the kitchen will fill with a tantalizing aroma of spices and sizzling beef, signaling a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Start by washing and drying the bell peppers. Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside. If the peppers don’t stand upright, slice a thin layer from the bottom to stabilize them on your baking dish. This will ensure they bake evenly.

Chef’s tip: To soften the peppers more quickly, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes before stuffing.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with your spatula. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then mix in the diced tomatoes and cooked rice. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Fill each pepper cavity with the savory ground beef mixture, packing it gently but firmly. Avoid overstuffing to prevent the peppers from splitting during baking. Top each with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Helpful tip: Mix a bit of cheese into the filling before stuffing for extra melty goodness inside.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking pan. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the dish to keep the peppers moist during baking. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the final 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per stuffed pepper (serving size: 1 pepper):

– Calories: 350-400 kcal
– Protein: 25 g
– Carbohydrates: 25 g
– Dietary Fiber: 4 g
– Total Fat: 18 g
– Saturated Fat: 7 g
– Sodium: 450 mg
– Vitamin A: 80% DV (from bell peppers)
– Vitamin C: 150% DV
– Iron: 15% DV
– Calcium: 20% DV

This meal strikes a nice balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats with the bonus of antioxidant-rich bell peppers.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want to give these stuffed peppers an extra health kick, try these swaps:

– Use lean ground turkey or chicken breast to reduce saturated fats.
– Replace rice with quinoa for higher protein and fiber content.
– Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms into the filling for more nutrients and volume.
– Opt for reduced-fat cheese or sprinkle nutritional yeast instead to reduce calories without sacrificing that umami flavor.
– Use low-sodium canned tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes to cut down on sodium.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers shine as a standalone entree but here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

– Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
– Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries for a cozy feel.
– Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for a cooling contrast.
– Complement with a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red like Pinot Noir.
– For a seasonal twist, top with sliced avocado and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds in fall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overstuffing peppers: This can cause them to burst or leak filling while baking. Pack gently yet firmly.
– Skipping the pre-cook: Cooking your beef mixture fully before stuffing ensures thorough flavor and texture.
– Ignoring pepper stability: Cutting uneven bottoms can cause peppers to tip over — slice a small amount off the base if needed.
– Not adding moisture: A splash of water at the bottom of the baking dish creates steam, softening the peppers.
– Burning the cheese: Keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the cheese melts golden without burning.

Storing Tips

– Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container.
– Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
– To reheat, microwave on medium heat or bake uncovered in a 350°F oven until warmed through — about 10-15 minutes.
– Stuffed peppers also freeze well; wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This delicious ground beef stuffed peppers with melty cheese recipe is a fantastic, satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and always impresses. By balancing fresh ingredients, thoughtful seasoning, and a warm, cheesy topping, you can create a go-to meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Ready to delight your taste buds? Give it a try tonight and share your tasty results in the comments!

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky smoked gouda work wonderfully. Feel free to mix cheeses for richer flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth or water to keep the filling moist and flavorful.

Q: How do I prevent peppers from getting mushy?
A: Avoid overcooking the peppers by baking just until the filling is heated through and the cheese melts. You can also blanch the peppers briefly before stuffing to soften without mushiness.

Q: Can I prepare stuffed peppers in advance?
A: You can assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What’s a good side dish to pair with stuffed peppers?
A: Light salads, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or a simple quinoa pilaf all make excellent complements.

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Looking for more hearty dinner ideas? Check out our Classic Meatloaf Recipe or Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole to keep your meal planning exciting. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly recipes and cooking tips!