Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef (No Rice) Recipe
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef are a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy dinner option. By omitting the rice, you can enjoy a low-carb version that’s still satisfying and delicious!
Ingredients List
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Slice Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottom slightly to ensure they stand upright.
- Blanch Peppers (optional): For softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
- Fill Peppers: Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 25g |
Tips for Success
To ensure your Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Firm Peppers: Select firm bell peppers that can stand upright and hold the stuffing well.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for added nutrition.
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, feta, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
Conclusion
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef (No Rice) are a flavorful and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy the delicious combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese in a colorful bell pepper!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I serve with this dish?
These stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and indulging in these Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef!
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef (No Rice) Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottom slightly to ensure they stand upright.
- Blanch Peppers (optional): For softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Fill Peppers: Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!
