– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)
– Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Let’s break down the process into manageable steps for creating these delicious Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef: In a large pan over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: To the beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Mix in Other Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Press it down slightly to fit more filling.
7. Top with Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
8. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and get slightly browned.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the peppers from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
This step-by-step guide ensures you can create these delightful stuffed peppers effortlessly, making meal preparation enjoyable!