Beef-Stuffed Peppers – Get ready to experience a mouthwatering delight with our Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers recipe! These vibrant bell peppers are generously filled with a flavorful mixture of tender ground beef, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice, all topped with gooey melted Monterey jack cheese. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, these stuffed peppers are sure to steal the show and become a favorite in no time!
I can’t help but share the heartwarming story of how this amazing recipe became an inseparable part of our little family’s dining tradition. It all started a few years ago when my husband, John, and I went on a cozy weekend getaway. We stumbled upon a charming local restaurant that served the most heavenly Stuffed Peppers we had ever tasted. We were immediately smitten by the combination of flavors and knew we had to recreate it at home.
After experimenting with various ingredients and cooking methods, we finally nailed down the perfect recipe that tickled our taste buds and stole our hearts. Now, these Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers have become a regular on our family’s weekly menu. Whenever I prepare them, the house is filled with the aroma of oregano and melting cheese, and it instantly brings smiles to our faces. Even our picky little one, Emily, who usually dislikes vegetables, eagerly devours her stuffed pepper and asks for seconds! It’s incredible how food can create such cherished memories and bring a family closer together.
Why This Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
First, the combination of succulent ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you amazed. The addition of oregano adds a touch of Mediterranean charm, elevating the overall taste.
Not to forget the star of the show – the bell peppers! These vibrant vegetables not only add a pop of color to your plate but also provide a wholesome and nutritious base for the filling. And let’s not overlook the generous amount of melted Monterey jack cheese that crowns each stuffed pepper with gooey goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (200g)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef (500g)
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes (411g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese (120g)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the rice according to the package instructions, and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until softened and slightly caramelized, usually around 7 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and tomato paste, stirring until the aroma fills your kitchen (about 1 minute more).
Next, introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you cook. Continue sautéing until the beef loses its pink color and is fully cooked, usually around 6 minutes. Remove any excess fat.
Return the beef mixture to the skillet, then stir in the cooked rice and the diced tomatoes. Season this delightful blend with dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Prepare the bell peppers for their delicious transformation by arranging them cut-side up in a 13″x9″ baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over them for that extra touch of richness. Now, spoon the flavorful beef and rice mixture into each pepper, ensuring they’re generously filled.
The grand finale is near! Sprinkle the shredded Monterey jack cheese over the stuffed peppers, giving them a cozy blanket of gooey delight. Cover the baking dish with foil to let the magic happen inside.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the peppers bake until they reach the peak of tenderness, which typically takes around 35 minutes. For the final touch, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is irresistibly bubbly and slightly golden.
Your Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers are now ready to grace your dining table with their vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for that extra pop of freshness.
Notes:
- Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can add diced vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or use cooked lentils instead.
- These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two before baking.
In conclusion, our Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers recipe is a true culinary delight that brings together an irresistible blend of flavors, vibrant colors, and heartwarming memories. From the first sauté of onions to the final bubbling of melted cheese, this dish takes you on a flavorful journey that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds and your heart.
These stuffed peppers have become a cherished favorite in our household, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you and your loved ones. With its wholesome ingredients and comforting aromas, this dish brings people together around the table, creating moments of joy and togetherness that will be cherished for years to come.
So, the next time you’re looking for a show-stopping recipe that’s as delicious as it is heartwarming, give our Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers a try. Whether it’s a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a cozy night in, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Remember, food has the remarkable ability to create lasting memories and bring people closer together. So, savor each bite of these stuffed peppers, and let the flavors and love shared around the table fill your heart with warmth and happiness.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey jack cheese complements the flavors perfectly, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen until heated through.
Can I use different colors of bell peppers?
Yes, you can use a mix of bell pepper colors to create a visually stunning presentation. The taste will remain equally delightful.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while sautéing. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Beef-Stuffed-Peppers-360x361.jpg)
Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice 200g
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef 500g
- 1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes (411g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 bell peppers tops and cores removed
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese 120g
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the rice according to the package instructions, and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until softened and slightly caramelized, usually around 7 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and tomato paste, stirring until the aroma fills your kitchen (about 1 minute more).
- Next, introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you cook. Continue sautéing until the beef loses its pink color and is fully cooked, usually around 6 minutes. Remove any excess fat.
- Return the beef mixture to the skillet, then stir in the cooked rice and the diced tomatoes. Season this delightful blend with dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Prepare the bell peppers for their delicious transformation by arranging them cut-side up in a 13"x9" baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over them for that extra touch of richness. Now, spoon the flavorful beef and rice mixture into each pepper, ensuring they're generously filled.
- The grand finale is near! Sprinkle the shredded Monterey jack cheese over the stuffed peppers, giving them a cozy blanket of gooey delight. Cover the baking dish with foil to let the magic happen inside.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the peppers bake until they reach the peak of tenderness, which typically takes around 35 minutes. For the final touch, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is irresistibly bubbly and slightly golden.
- Your Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers are now ready to grace your dining table with their vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for that extra pop of freshness.
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