These Homestyle Stuffed Bell Peppers are a comforting classic that brings together tender peppers, savory ground beef, Spanish-flavored rice, and melted cheese in each delicious bite. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Comforting Classic: Brings back fond memories of family dinners and home cooking.
• Hearty and Flavorful: Savory beef, seasoned rice, and tangy tomatoes create a rich, satisfying flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make this dish accessible for all home cooks.
Ingredients
• 6 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 box (6 7/8 oz) Spanish-flavored Rice-a-Roni
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 can (14 ½ oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
1. Wash and Slice: Rinse the bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove seeds and membranes.
2. Set Aside: Keep the prepared pepper shells upright on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Sauté: Cook, breaking up the beef, until it’s no longer pink and the onions are tender (7–10 minutes).
3. Drain: Remove any excess grease.
Step 4: Make the Rice Mixture
1. Prepare Rice-a-Roni: Cook according to package directions. Typically, sauté the rice in butter, add water and seasoning, and simmer until tender.
2. Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the can of tomato sauce.
3. Balance Flavors: Mix in 1 teaspoon of sugar to cut the tomato’s acidity.
4. Add Diced Tomatoes: Stir in the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Combine well.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Rice
1. Mix Together: Add the cooked beef and onions to the rice mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 6: Stuff the Peppers
1. Fill the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper cavity, pressing down gently to fill them completely.
2. Arrange in Dish: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake the Peppers
1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes.
2. Check Tenderness: Test the peppers with a fork; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
1. Remove Foil: Carefully take the foil off the baking dish.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each pepper.
3. Bake Again: Return the peppers to the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
1. Rest: Let the peppers rest a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
2. Serve Hot: Plate and enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips
• Pepper Choice: Red, yellow, or orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a more robust, slightly bitter flavor.
• Cheese Options: Try mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and stuff the peppers when ready to bake.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cooled peppers in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
These Homestyle Stuffed Bell Peppers bring together comforting flavors and a cozy presentation that everyone will love, making them a welcome addition to your dinner table.
