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Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner for Less

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A cozy, budget-friendly stuffed peppers recipe featuring ground beef, rice, and simple pantry staples, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or orange)
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside the tops if desired. Arrange the hollowed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  3. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (3-4 minutes).
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, beef broth (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper cavity, pressing down gently but not overflowing.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use firm, fresh bell peppers to avoid mushiness. Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasy filling. Cover with foil during baking to keep peppers moist. Let peppers rest before serving to set filling. Optional additions include mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for vegetarian versions. Cheese can be swapped for feta or pepper jack. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or jalapeño.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stuffed peppers, rice stuffed peppers, easy dinner, cozy meal, budget-friendly recipe, weeknight dinner, stuffed bell peppers

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/beef-and-rice-stuffed-peppers-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-for-less/