Introduction to Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
When life gets busy, finding quick yet satisfying dinner options can be a challenge, particularly for young professionals. Enter ground beef stuffed peppers! This delicious dish marries convenience with flavor, making it a game-changer in your weeknight meal rotation. Stuffed peppers are not just a delightful way to present a meal; they also offer a healthy balance of protein and veggies, all in one charming package.
Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a hearty meal that’s ready in under an hour. By using lean ground beef, you can enjoy a satisfying protein source while you embrace your culinary skills. Each bell pepper is like a little treasure chest, bursting with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese, which can cater to diverse taste preferences and dietary needs.
What’s more, stuffed peppers are highly versatile! You can personalize them with your favorite ingredients—whether that’s adding some extra spices or swapping in quinoa instead of rice. Feel free to check out this healthy alternate grain selection for added nutrition. With easy preparation and even easier cleanup, these ground beef stuffed peppers are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Fresh bell peppers
To kick off this delicious recipe for ground beef stuffed peppers, you'll need 4 bell peppers. Feel free to choose any color you love—red, orange, yellow, or green. Each offers a different flavor profile, but I recommend using sweeter varieties like red or orange for an extra touch of sweetness.
Lean ground beef and rice
Next up, grab 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 ½ cups of cooked long grain rice. Lean beef ensures your dish remains relatively low in fat while still packing a protein punch. You can even substitute cooked quinoa or brown rice if you’re looking for alternatives!
Flavorful spices and sauces
No dish is complete without a blend of seasonings! For this recipe, you'll include 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to add just the right amount of kick. Don't forget a generous measure of marinara sauce—you'll need 2 cups, divided—to keep everything moist and flavorful.
For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of your favorite hot sauce! Check out more about marinara in this delicious recipe.
Now you're all set to whip up some mouthwatering ground beef stuffed peppers!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I promise, making these ground beef stuffed peppers is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps for a delicious, wholesome dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step that allows your ground beef stuffed peppers to bake evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats up, grab a high-sided 9×13 baking dish and spray the bottom with some olive oil cooking spray. Next, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This flavorful sauce will infuse moisture into the peppers as they bake.
Prepare the bell peppers
Now it’s time to focus on our star ingredients: the bell peppers! Select four vibrant bell peppers in your favorite colors—red, orange, or yellow work great for their sweetness. Slice each pepper in half from top to bottom and remove the seeds and membranes, then arrange them cut side up in the prepared baking dish. Not only does this look appealing, but it also creates the perfect vessel for your tasty filling.
Sauté the onions and brown the ground beef
In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion along with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir it occasionally for about 3–5 minutes until the onion starts to soften. This step is crucial as it builds a flavor base for your filling. Next, add 1 pound of lean ground beef, seasoning it with ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks—this should take about 5–7 minutes until browned.
Combine ingredients and fill the peppers
Once the beef is browned, turn off the heat and mix in a delicious array of ingredients: the remaining 1 cup of marinara, 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice, ½ cup finely chopped parsley, ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, and ½ cup Italian cheese blend. Combine everything gently until well mixed, taking care not to overwork the meat. With a heaping ½ cup of this mixture, stuff each pepper generously—don’t be shy; it's meant to be hearty!
Bake the stuffed peppers to perfection
Finally, cover the filled peppers tightly with foil to lock in moisture, and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Italian cheese over the top. Pop them back in the oven for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is lovely and bubbly. The result? Perfectly baked ground beef stuffed peppers that are not just delectable but a feast for the eyes too!
With this simple step-by-step approach, you’re all set to enjoy a warm and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Variations on Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Ground beef stuffed peppers are a classic meal, but there are so many delicious twists you can try to keep things exciting!
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa
For a wholesome twist, swap the ground beef for quinoa and load up on veggies. Use a mixture of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices for a hearty filling. Quinoa not only adds protein but also a delightful nutty flavor. If you're curious about cooking quinoa, check out this helpful guide!
Spicy Stuffed Peppers with Additional Heat
If you love a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You could even experiment with spicy chorizo to elevate the flavor profile. Topping your stuffed peppers with a sprinkling of pepper jack cheese could be just the enhancement they need. Who doesn't love a little heat in their meal?
Cooking Tips and Notes for Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Selecting the Best Bell Peppers
When making ground beef stuffed peppers, choosing the right bell peppers is essential. Opt for medium-sized ones that feel firm and have smooth skin. Colors like red, yellow, and orange are sweeter, while green has a more bitter taste. A mix of colors not only enhances the presentation but also adds varied flavors. For a deeper dive into selecting the best produce, check out this guide.
Tips for Preventing Soggy Peppers
To avoid soggy peppers, consider pre-baking them for 10-15 minutes before stuffing. This helps to set the color and taste while reducing moisture buildup. Also, make sure the filling isn’t too wet—using cooked rice can help absorb excess moisture. Finally, placing a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish can keep them moist without compromising their texture.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Pairing with a Fresh Salad
To create a balanced meal around your ground beef stuffed peppers, consider serving them with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can wonderfully complement the rich flavors of the peppers. Adding some avocados or nuts can enhance the texture and provide healthy fats—perfect for a hearty yet nutritious dinner.
Complementing with Homemade Bread
Homemade bread is another fantastic addition to your meal. Whether it’s a warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette, it pairs beautifully with the stuffed peppers. Dipping the bread into any leftover marinara sauce can elevate your dining experience, creating a cozy, comforting feel that rounds out the meal perfectly. For more delicious bread recipes, check out this homemade bread guide.
Time Breakdown for Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Preparation Time
Get ready to dive into this delicious recipe with just 15 minutes of prep! This includes chopping your veggies and measuring out your ingredients.
Cooking Time
Once you start, it will take about 40 minutes for the peppers to cook to perfection, ensuring everything is heated through and delicious.
Total Time
In a little under an hour, you can enjoy 55 minutes of cozy cooking, from preparation to serving your family a homemade meal that'll have them asking for seconds!
If you're looking for inspiration or tips while preparing these ground beef stuffed peppers, check out this comprehensive guide on meal prep for additional efficiency!
Nutritional Facts for Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Calories per serving
Each serving of these delicious ground beef stuffed peppers contains around 225 calories, making them a satisfying yet light dinner option.
Protein content
With 20 grams of protein per serving, these stuffed peppers provide an excellent source of essential amino acids, helping you stay full longer and support muscle repair.
Key vitamins and minerals
Packed with nutrients, you’ll find significant amounts of Vitamin A (2490 IU) and Vitamin C (86 mg) in these peppers. They also offer calcium and iron, contributing to overall health. For a deeper dive into the health benefits of bell peppers, check out this health article.
FAQs about Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ground beef stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Just stuff the peppers and place them in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do with leftover filling?
Don't let any of that tasty filling go to waste! Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It makes a delicious topping for salads, a filling for quesadillas, or you can even enjoy it on its own!
Can I use other proteins besides ground beef?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Each will add its unique twist to your ground beef stuffed peppers, so experiment and find your favorite!
Conclusion on Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Ground beef stuffed peppers are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make for a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these vibrant, nutritious peppers are both easy to prepare and customizable. Give them a try, and enjoy this comforting dish!
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out this collection of easy dinner recipes. If you have leftover ingredients, consider making a fresh salad or pairing with garlic bread for a complete meal!
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Equipment
- baking dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bell peppers any color
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion small diced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon no salt added Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375. Spray a high-sided 9×13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray, then spread 1 cup of marinara evenly on the bottom of the pan. Cut each bell pepper in half from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and membranes, then arrange cut side up in the baking dish.
- Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, diced onions and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Break into small pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, then add the remaining 1 cup marinara, rice, parsley, parmesan, and ½ cup Italian cheese, stirring until just combined.
- Fill each pepper evenly with the beef rice mixture, about one heaping ½ cup for each pepper. Sprinkle over the remaining ½ cup cheese. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, then uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
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