Description
These Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and easy dinner option featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, fresh herbs, and melty cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, any color
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon no salt added Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a high-sided 9×13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the pan. Cut each bell pepper in half from top to bottom. Remove seeds and membranes, and arrange cut side up in the baking dish.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, diced onions, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Break the beef into small pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix Filling: Turn off the heat. Add the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce, cooked rice, parsley, parmesan cheese, and ½ cup Italian cheese blend to the skillet. Stir gently until everything is just combined.
- Stuff Peppers and Bake: Fill each pepper half evenly with about one heaping ½ cup of the beef and rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Italian cheese blend on top of the stuffed peppers. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Bake covered for 30-35 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
Notes
- You can use any color of bell peppers based on your preference or availability.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to cook and drain rice ahead of time for best texture in the filling.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
