Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers

🌶️ Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional: mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

1. Prep the peppers
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds and membranes.
   Lightly boil peppers for 5 minutes (optional, for softer texture), then drain.

2. Cook the filling
   In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
   Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Assemble
   Spread a little tomato sauce in a baking dish.
   Stuff peppers with beef and rice mixture.
   Spoon remaining sauce over the tops.

4. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
   Uncover, add cheese (if using), and bake 10–15 minutes more.

5. Serve
   Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap beef for ground turkey

• Add corn or black beans for extra texture

• Use Mexican seasoning and top with salsa

• Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours