Max’s 4-ingredient stuffed bell peppers

Oh, hello there! If you’re looking for a classic, comforting meal that always hits the spot, you’ve found it. These stuffed bell peppers ground beef beauties are a staple in my kitchen, just like they were in my Grandma Max’s. She always said that good food is about love and using what you have, and that’s exactly what these peppers are all about. They’re perfect for teaching someone new to cook or just for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Seriously, these are the best! They’re such an easy stuffed peppers dinner, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and satisfying. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser, making them a truly family friendly stuffed peppers choice.

Quick and Easy Preparation for Busy Weeknights

You won’t believe how simple this is. We’re talking minimal fuss for a fantastic easy stuffed peppers dinner. It’s the kind of meal that makes a busy weeknight feel so much more manageable and delicious.

Comforting and Hearty Flavors

Oh, the flavor! These are truly delicious stuffed bell peppers, packed with that savory ground beef and tomato goodness. It’s pure comfort food that just makes you feel good from the inside out.

Versatile Ingredients for Customization

My favorite part? You can totally make these your own! Don’t have rice? No problem! Want to add corn? Go for it! This recipe is super forgiving and lets you play around with ingredients to make it exactly how you like it.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Alright, let’s get everything ready for our amazing stuffed bell peppers ground beef adventure! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty common ingredients you can likely find at any grocery store. Think of it as a treasure hunt for deliciousness, and I’ll guide you to all the good stuff!

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Here’s what you’ll need to grab to make these peppers sing. Make sure you get nice, firm bell peppers – any color works, but I like a mix for a pretty presentation. For the beef, I usually go with an 80/20 blend; it just has the best flavor. You’ll want to chop your onion nice and fine so it melts into the filling. Fresh garlic is a must, and don’t skimp on the good stuff like crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil – they’re what make the sauce so yummy. And of course, salt and pepper to taste, because even simple things need a little seasoning! The rice and cheese are totally optional, but they really do add an extra layer of yumminess.

• 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops removed, seeds and membranes removed)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for topping)

Max’s Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

Now, about those ingredients – don’t be afraid to play around! If you can’t find ground beef or just want something different, ground turkey or chicken works just wonderfully. They’ll still give you that savory goodness. And that rice? It’s totally optional! If you don’t have it, or just don’t feel like cooking it, you can skip it altogether. Some folks even use breadcrumbs or just omit it entirely. It’s all about these ground beef stuffed peppers ideas and making them yours. You can also toss in some corn or diced zucchini if you have them hanging around – it just adds more texture and flavor!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Alright, time to get these peppers into the oven and turn them into something magical! Making stuffed bell peppers ground beef is really straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. It’s all about building those flavors and letting the oven do its thing.

Preparing the Bell Peppers

First things first, let’s get those peppers ready to be filled. You want to cut off the tops, like little hats, and then carefully scoop out all those seeds and the white membranes inside. Just a gentle scrape with a spoon usually does the trick. You want a nice, clean cavity for all that yummy filling!

Cooking the Savory Ground Beef Filling

Now for the heart of our stuffed peppers! Grab a skillet and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and get it browning, breaking it up with your spoon as you go. Once it’s all nice and brown, drain off any extra grease – nobody likes a greasy pepper, right? Then, add your chopped onion and let it soften up for about five minutes. Stir in your minced garlic; it smells amazing when it hits the heat, cook it for just a minute. Now, pour in that can of crushed tomatoes, the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If you’re using rice, stir that in now too. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is where all those flavors really start to hang out together. Don’t be afraid to make a mess here; that’s how you know you’re really cooking!

Assembling and Baking Your Stuffed Peppers

Okay, the filling is ready, and those peppers are prepped. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, carefully spoon that glorious beef mixture into each hollowed-out bell pepper. Pack it in there, but don’t overstuff them so much that the filling spills out. Place them snuggly in a baking dish. I like to add a tiny bit of water to the bottom of the dish; it helps create some steam and keeps the peppers nice and tender. Cover the whole dish tightly with foil. Pop it into the oven for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil. If you’re adding cheese (and I totally recommend it!), sprinkle it all over the top now. Put them back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are fork-tender and that cheese is melted and bubbly. Perfection!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Okay, so you want to make the absolute best stuffed bell pepper recipe? It’s all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. My cooking philosophy is all about making things taste great without being fussy, and these tips will help you achieve just that!

Achieving Tender Peppers

The key to super tender peppers is that initial covered bake. Covering them with foil traps the steam, which is what really softens them up beautifully. Just make sure they’re fork-tender after the first 30 minutes, and then a little longer uncovered is perfect!

Flavor Boosters and Variations

Want to kick things up a notch? I love adding a little pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a touch of heat. And don’t forget, these bell pepper recipes with ground beef are super adaptable! Toss in some frozen corn, diced zucchini, or even a handful of chopped spinach if you’ve got it. It just adds more goodness!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers

These delicious stuffed bell peppers are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little something extra! And don’t worry if you have leftovers, they’re just as tasty the next day.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these with a simple side salad to give it a fresh crunch, or maybe some crusty garlic bread for dipping into any extra sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top also makes them extra special!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Once they’ve cooled down a bit, just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and into the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until they’re warmed through. You can also gently reheat them in the oven, covered, at about 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through – this keeps them from getting too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef

Got questions about making the best stuffed bell peppers ground beef? I totally get it! Cooking should be fun, not frustrating, so let’s clear up any little things you might be wondering about.

Can I Make Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef Ahead of Time?

Oh, absolutely! These are fantastic for stuffed peppers meal prep. You can totally make the filling a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. You can even stuff the peppers the day before and keep them covered in the baking dish in the fridge. Just add them to the oven when you’re ready, maybe adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be starting out cold.

What are Other Filling Options Besides Ground Beef?

You bet! If you’re not feeling ground beef, no worries at all. Ground turkey or chicken are wonderful substitutes and give you that same savory flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try using cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu mixed with the same spices and tomato sauce. It’s all about making it your own!

How Do I Prevent My Stuffed Peppers from Being Watery?

That’s a great question! To avoid watery peppers, make sure you drain off any excess grease after browning your ground beef. Also, when you’re cooking the filling, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid from the tomatoes to evaporate. This helps create a thicker, more flavorful filling that won’t make your peppers soggy.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info I’ve provided is an estimate. It can change based on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you swap out the beef or add extra cheese. I always say, cook with what you love!

Print