Cheesy Spicy Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
These delightful Cheesy Spicy Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Each vibrant green bell pepper is filled with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and zesty tomatoes, all lovingly embraced by melting cheddar cheese. With a hint of heat from the added pepper sauce, these peppers deliver a comforting yet exciting meal that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The bright colors and delicious flavors ensure that everyone will be asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green peppers
6 (large, tops cut off, seeds and membranes removed)
Ground beef
1 (pound)
Onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce can, drained)
Long grain rice
1/2 (cup, uncooked)
Water
1 (cup)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Worcestershire sauce
1 (teaspoon)
Cheddar cheese
1 (cup, shredded (approximately 4 ounces))
Hot pepper sauce
2 (teaspoons (optional, for added spice))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off their tops and removing the seeds and membranes. Chop a small portion of the tops to yield about 1/4 cup and set it aside.
3
Blanch the whole bell peppers in boiling water for about 5 minutes to soften them slightly, then invert them and drain well. Lightly sprinkle the insides with salt.
4
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and the reserved chopped pepper tops. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
5
Stir in the diced tomatoes (drained), salt, Worcestershire sauce, and the dash of pepper, letting the flavors meld over low heat.
6
In a separate pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rice and cook according to package instructions, or until the rice is tender. Add more water if necessary.
7
Combine the cooked rice and beef mixture in the skillet, stirring until well mixed. Then fold in the shredded cheese until evenly incorporated.
8
Stuff each prepared bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, then place them upright in a 10x6x2 inch baking dish.
9
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle any remaining cheese on top of the peppers to melt and create a delicious crust.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, spicy masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Spicy Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers?
They are a hearty and flavorful dish consisting of vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese with a kick of heat.
What kind of bell peppers should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 large green bell peppers, but you can also use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter flavor.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Save a small portion of the tops to chop and include in the filling.
Why should I blanch the bell peppers?
Blanching the peppers in boiling water for about 5 minutes softens them slightly so they cook through properly in the oven.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the stuffed peppers.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe uses one pound of ground beef.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, while the recipe calls for ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of uncooked long grain rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the beef mixture?
Yes, the rice should be cooked in 1 cup of water until tender before being combined with the beef mixture.
What spices and sauces are used for seasoning?
The filling is seasoned with salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce for a bit of spice.
How much hot pepper sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of hot pepper sauce, though this is optional and can be adjusted for heat preference.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which is approximately 4 ounces.
When do I add the cheese to the recipe?
Most of the cheese is folded into the beef and rice mixture, and the remainder is sprinkled on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
What other vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes 1/2 cup of chopped onion and the reserved chopped pepper tops.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, use one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes and ensure they are drained before adding them to the skillet.
What size baking dish is needed?
Use a 10x6x2 inch baking dish to hold the peppers upright.
How long do the peppers need to bake?
The stuffed peppers should bake for a total of 30 minutes.
Should I cover the dish while it's in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking to retain moisture.
How do I get a melted cheese crust on top?
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the peppers.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, after browning the ground beef with the onions and peppers, you should drain any excess fat for a better texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and prep the peppers ahead of time, then stuff and bake them when you are ready to eat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 stuffed bell peppers, typically serving 3 to 6 people depending on appetite.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat due to the 2 teaspoons of hot pepper sauce, which can be adjusted to your liking.
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require more water.
What should I do if the rice is still hard?
Ensure the rice is fully cooked in the separate pot before mixing it with the beef to avoid crunchy rice in the final dish.
How should I store leftover stuffed peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Are these stuffed peppers gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce are certified gluten-free brands.
What can I serve as a side dish?
These are a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with a light green salad or crusty bread.
Do I need to salt the inside of the peppers?
Yes, lightly sprinkling the insides of the blanched peppers with salt helps enhance the overall flavor.
How long should the peppers cool before serving?
Let the peppers sit for a few minutes after removing them from the oven to allow the filling to set slightly.