Stuffed Bell Peppers Supreme
Stuffed Bell Peppers Supreme offers a delightful twist on ground beef dinner recipes, making a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any night. This dish combines savory ground beef, rice, and cheese, all baked inside tender bell peppers, creating a complete meal in one vibrant package. You’ll love how satisfying and easy this classic comfort food is to prepare.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: You can use lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Bell Peppers: Any color works, but red, yellow, and orange tend to be sweeter.
- Cooked Rice: Leftover rice is perfect, or you can use quinoa for extra protein.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can also be used for a smoother sauce.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar or a Mexican blend works well too.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium bell peppers (any color), tops removed, seeds and membranes discarded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or preferred cheese), plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Begin by cutting your bell peppers in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes. This creates perfect little bowls for your delicious filling. Place the prepared bell pepper halves cut-side up in your baking dish.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep your dish light.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Combine the Filling
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper with the beef mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Finally, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it’s just melted into the mixture.
5. Stuff and Bake
Divide the ground beef mixture evenly among the bell pepper halves, pressing it gently into each one. Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers. This helps to steam the peppers and keep them moist.
6. Final Bake and Serve
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the stuffed peppers, and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. These make fantastic ground beef dinner recipes.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn into the ground beef mixture.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add a few Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the filling.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro stirred in at the end.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Stuffed Bell Peppers Supreme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual peppers until warmed through or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare Stuffed Bell Peppers Supreme ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the peppers and store them in the baking dish, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Do I have to use cooked rice?
A: Yes, using cooked rice is essential as it absorbs moisture and binds the filling.
Q: Can I freeze these stuffed bell peppers?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked and cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though beef broth adds more flavor.
Q: How do I choose the best bell peppers?
A: Look for firm, brightly colored bell peppers without any soft spots or blemishes.
Q: Can I use different types of ground meat for this ground beef dinner recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
