Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef is a beloved recipe, offering a delightful blend of flavors, colors, and textures. These stuffed peppers are a gastronomic adventure in themselves, filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, and spices, then baked to perfection. Not only do they make for an eye-catching centerpiece at dinner tables, but they also pack a flavorful punch, making every mealtime a memorable event.
Ingredients
The list of key ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef includes:
Bell Peppers: 4 large ones. Choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful presentation.
Ground Beef: 1 pound. This forms the protein-rich base of your stuffing.
Rice: 1 cup cooked rice. This adds bulk and absorbs flavors brilliantly.
Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, for a touch of sweetness and texture.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to give the stuffing a punch of flavor.
Tomato Sauce: 1 cup. Half is used in the stuffing, and the rest is poured over the peppers before baking.
Cheese: 1 cup shredded. Cheddar or Monterey Jack works well.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, plus herbs and spices like 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon each of paprika and oregano for added flavor.
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and ribs.
Cook the Stuffing: In a large pan, sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in half of the tomato sauce, cooked rice, half of the cheese, and all the seasonings.
Stuff the Peppers: Fill the hollowed-out peppers with the beef and rice mixture. Arrange the peppers in a baking dish, standing up.
Bake: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Serve: Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. They are a meal in themselves, but can also be served with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread.