Description
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These flavorful stuffed bell peppers are packed with ground beef, aromatic garlic, and onion, and topped with melty cheese. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes and a sprinkle of paprika gives it a smoky and rich flavor. A customizable and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
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4–6 bell peppers (use any color – green, yellow, red, or orange)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 lb ground beef (450g) – can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, tofu, or other similar options
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spice)
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5 cloves garlic, chopped
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14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes (canned – or use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend – pepperjack is a great choice for a spicy kick)
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1 tablespoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
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Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 7-10 minutes).
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Stir in the chopped garlic, jalapeno (if using), and paprika. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the fire-roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes/tomato sauce) to the skillet and mix well. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it tightly.
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Bake: Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese, then cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. For extra melty cheese, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with tofu, quinoa, or lentils for a plant-based filling.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist.
You can make these stuffed peppers ahead of time. Simply stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes (includes baking)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Mexican (optional)
Keywords: Stuffed Peppers, Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers, Baked Peppers, Healthy Stuffed Peppers, Spicy Stuffed Peppers