Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! These stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef are a fantastic option for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. They’re packed with nutrients, easy to customize, and surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest – a perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating. Get ready to enjoy one of the best recipes for a satisfying and delicious dinner!
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you like – red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes.
Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (both cans), beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Stuff and bake:
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell pepper halves.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add about ½ inch of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent the peppers from drying out.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked through. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it over the peppers during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use a spicier variety of Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Use 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter protein option.
- Turkey Stuffed Peppers: Lean ground turkey is another great substitute for ground beef.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This easy recipe for stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef offers a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. It's a perfect example of how quick dinner ideas can also be nutritious and satisfying. Give it a try and let us know what you think! We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your healthy meal rotation.