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Savory Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Easy Mexican Rice

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A comforting and flavorful stuffed bell pepper recipe featuring well-seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and vibrant Mexican rice. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, red or yellow preferred for sweetness)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for nuttier flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut off tops of bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Chop the tops and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes until slightly toasted.
  4. Add beef broth and a pinch of salt to the rice. Cover and simmer on low for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
  5. While rice cooks, heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and chopped pepper tops. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  6. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  7. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and stir in cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese to combine.
  9. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing lightly to fill completely. Top with remaining cheese.
  10. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the dish to keep peppers moist. Cover loosely with foil.
  11. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Keep peppers upright during baking to prevent filling leakage. Add water to baking dish and cover with foil to keep peppers moist and prevent drying out. If peppers are large, add 5-10 minutes extra baking time. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a lighter version. Vegan cheese or no cheese can be used for dairy-free adaptation. Pre-cooked rice can be used but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, cheesy stuffed peppers, Mexican rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/savory-cheesy-ground-beef-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-with-easy-mexican-rice/