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Flavorful Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Beef and Mexican Rice

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A quick and easy recipe for cheesy stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef and flavorful Mexican rice, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked Mexican rice (white or brown)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms if needed so they stand upright. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Add ground beef, crumble and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Season beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  7. Mix in cooked Mexican rice and tomato sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
  8. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime zest.
  9. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, leaving a little space on top.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each stuffed pepper.
  11. Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  13. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overfill the peppers to avoid bursting and soggy results. Use leftover or pre-cooked rice to prevent mushy filling. Sharp cheddar cheese melts best, but mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Cover peppers while baking to steam and soften, then remove foil to crisp cheese. Drain excess beef fat for less greasiness. Let peppers rest before serving to keep filling intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, ground beef recipe, Mexican rice, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/flavorful-cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-with-beef-and-mexican-rice-easy-and-perfect/