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Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Spanish Rice

savory stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and spanish rice - featured image
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A quick and easy meal featuring bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and flavorful Spanish rice, baked to tender perfection and topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange preferred)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water with bouillon
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in rinsed rice to coat grains with oil.
  5. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  6. While rice cooks, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
  7. Combine cooked ground beef and Spanish rice in a large bowl. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Place hollowed bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing gently but not too tightly.
  9. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender but still hold shape.
  11. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice before cooking to avoid gummy texture. Brown ground beef properly for better flavor. Avoid overstuffing peppers to prevent cracking. Cover dish while baking to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or broth to baking dish if peppers are not softening enough. Slice a thin layer off the bottom of peppers to help them stand upright.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef, Spanish rice, easy dinner, family meal, baked peppers, quick recipe

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