Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hearty American comfort food: tender bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, marinara sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. A complete meal baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 large peppers (8 halves)
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers
1 lb (454g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 cup cooked rice (approx. 185g)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional for roasting peppers)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Cut bell peppers lengthwise, remove tops and seeds
Place open halves in a baking dish, top with water in a bowl to stand upright
In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat
Drain excess fat using paper towels
Stir in rice, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper until combined
Stuff pepper halves with mixture (about 1/2 cup each)
Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese
Bake for 25 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden
Notes
Use a Food Processor for even browning
Drain fat after browning beef for better texture
Marinara sauce is traditionally unsalted to absorb filling juices
Serve with rice on the side if using peppers from a smaller variety
Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days
Find it online: https://kindeat.com/cheesy-ground-beef-stuffed-bell-peppers/