Disgustingly Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef in 4 Steps

Okay, so, family dinners, right? Sometimes they feel like a HUGE chore. But then I remember my go-to: stuffed bell peppers with ground beef! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s ridiculously easy, even on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling, like, a million things. And the best part? Everyone always cleans their plate!

These aren’t just any stuffed peppers. We’re talking perfectly tender bell peppers, packed with a flavorful ground beef and rice filling. It’s like a warm hug in food form. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s super forgiving. Don’t have an onion? No problem! Throw in some extra garlic. See? Easy!

I remember one time, I was totally out of tomato sauce (oops!). I used a jar of salsa instead, and guess what? It was AMAZING! So, yeah, this stuffed bell peppers ground beef recipe? It’s a winner. And I think it’s *perfect* for anyone browsing Pinterest, looking for a quick, tasty, and family-approved meal. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef Recipe

Seriously, you NEED this recipe in your life! Here’s why:

• Quick prep: Get dinner on the table FAST!
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy, just good ol’ comfort food.
• Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters will gobble these up. Promise!
• Versatile filling options: Make it your own with different veggies and spices.
• Relatively healthy: Hey, it’s got veggies and protein! What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you need to make these amazing stuffed peppers. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice (I usually use white, but brown works too!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
• 4 bell peppers (any color you like!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Now, listen up, because here’s where you can get a little creative. Ground beef? Totally swap it for ground turkey or chicken if that’s what you’ve got. Rice? Brown rice or even quinoa works great for a healthier twist! For the cheese, mozzarella is yummy too. And if you’re feeling wild, diced tomatoes can totally stand in for tomato sauce. I’ve done it! Just adds a bit more texture. Trust me, it’s all good!

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly dinner in no time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Preparing the Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef Filling

First things first, grab a big skillet and brown that ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any extra grease – nobody wants greasy peppers! Then, stir in your cooked rice, chopped onion, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix so everything’s combined. Easy peasy!

Stuffing and Baking the Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Now, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) – gotta get that oven ready! While it’s heating up, cut the tops off your bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes. You want a nice, clean pepper to stuff. Spoon that yummy ground beef mixture into each pepper, packing it in there. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender. You can even test them with a fork!

Adding Cheese and Finishing the Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Okay, almost there! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers and pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and gooey. Mmm! Once they’re done, let them stand for a few minutes before serving – careful, they’re HOT! And that’s it! Dinner is served!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Want to take your stuffed peppers from good to AMAZING? Here’s my secret stash of tips! First, don’t go crazy with the stuffing – you don’t want them overflowing! Also, if you’re worried about the beef being cooked through (safety first!), use a meat thermometer. It should hit 160°F (71°C).

Another thing I like to do is parboil the bell peppers for, like, 5 minutes before stuffing them. It softens them up a bit, so they’re not too crunchy. Oh, and don’t be shy with the seasoning! Really load up that filling with flavor. You won’t regret it!

Variations for Your Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Okay, so you’ve made the basic recipe – awesome! But what if you wanna mix things up? No problem! Try adding different herbs, like fresh basil or oregano. Ooh, or go spicy with chili powder or cumin! Corn, black beans, diced tomatoes? YES, please! And sometimes, I’ll even top mine with a dollop of sour cream or salsa. Seriously, the sky’s the limit!

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

So, what goes with these bad boys? Honestly, they’re pretty much a complete meal on their own! But if you’re feeling fancy, a simple side salad is always a good choice. Or, you know, garlic bread. Because garlic bread makes everything better, right? Roasted vegetables are great too! But really, dig in and enjoy – you’ve earned it!

Storing and Reheating Your Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop those stuffed peppers in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven (a little slower, but keeps ’em nice) or zap ’em in the microwave for a quick fix!

FAQ About Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about these amazing stuffed peppers. Hopefully, this clears up any confusion!

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers ground beef?

You betcha! Freezing these is super easy. Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap – really seal it up good! – and then toss them all in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Perfect for meal prepping!

How do I prevent the bell peppers from being soggy?

Ah, the dreaded soggy pepper! My trick? Parboiling them! Just give those peppers a quick dunk in boiling water for a few minutes before stuffing. It softens them up and keeps them from getting all mushy in the oven. Trust me, it works!

Can I make stuffed bell peppers ground beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal. Just stuff those peppers, pop ’em in a baking dish, cover ’em up, and stash them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just bake ’em up! Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Okay, quick note: nutrition info can vary a LOT depending on the exact ingredients you use! So, this is just an estimate, okay?

Make Your Own Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef Today!

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go make these! And hey, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Or even better, share a pic on social media! I wanna see your creations!

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