: A Beginner's Delight

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s also easy to make? Our stuffed bell peppers are the perfect solution for beginner cooks. Packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and veggies, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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What You'll Need

Ingredients:
  • 4 bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Equipment:
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish or Air Fryer

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
  5. Stir in the cooked rice, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture.
  7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish or air fryer basket.
  8. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers.
  9. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
  10. Sprinkle with shredded cheese (optional) during the last few minutes of cooking.
  11. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

  • Don’t overcook the rice: Undercook it slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use a variety of bell peppers: Different colors add visual appeal and slightly different flavors.
  • Pre-cook the ground meat: This ensures it’s fully cooked and reduces excess grease.
  • Add a binder: An egg or some breadcrumbs help hold the filling together.
  • Don’t overstuff the peppers: Leave a little room for the filling to expand as it cooks.

Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or a mix of vegetables.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the filling.
  • Italian: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add Italian seasoning.
  • Mexican: Use ground turkey or chicken, add taco seasoning, and top with salsa and sour cream.
  • Cheesy: Mix shredded cheese into the filling or sprinkle it on top before baking.