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Savory Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Beef and Rice – Easy Homemade Meal

savory cheesy stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and comforting meal featuring bell peppers stuffed with a creamy blend of ground beef, rice, and cheese, baked to perfection with a melty cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers, assorted colors
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms slightly if needed so they stand upright. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar until creamy and well combined.
  8. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing gently but not pressing too hard. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese generously over each pepper.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

If peppers are extra large or thick-walled, add 5-10 minutes to baking time. Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too fast but peppers need more cooking. Use rice that is cooked but still firm to avoid soggy filling. Let peppers rest 5 minutes after baking to prevent filling from spilling. Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian options. Dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used for vegan versions.

Nutrition

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