– 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, drained
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Creating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice can be straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand upright.
3. Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined and heated through.
6. Fill Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper, adding more if you desire.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.
9. Cool: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Following these steps will guide you in creating your incredible stuffed peppers effortlessly.