Budget Air Fryer Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (various colors for visual appeal)
• 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.

3. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.

4. Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Stir in the remaining ingredients: Add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

6. Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Add cheese to the filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

8. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the ground beef mixture into each of the prepared bell peppers, filling them to the top.

9. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

10. Air fry the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.

11. Air fry until tender: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Why Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Are a Great Choice

Air fryer stuffed peppers offer a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional oven-baked stuffed peppers. The air fryer cooks the peppers quickly and evenly, resulting in tender peppers and a flavorful filling. Plus, using an air fryer requires less energy than heating up a full-sized oven, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Faster Cooking Time

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, which leads to faster and more efficient cooking compared to conventional ovens. This means you can enjoy your stuffed peppers in less time.

Healthier Option

Because the air fryer does such a great job, browning and crisping food items fast, you don’t need any oil to complete the cooking process, saving on fat and cholesterol.

Easy Cleanup

Most air fryer baskets and accessories are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. This is a huge time-saver compared to scrubbing baking dishes.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Getting the perfect air fryer stuffed pepper involves a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a success:

Choosing the Right Peppers

Select bell peppers that are firm, brightly colored, and similar in size for even cooking. Different colored peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) offer a variety of flavors and visual appeal.

Pre-Cooking the Rice

Using pre-cooked rice saves time and ensures that the rice is perfectly cooked within the stuffed peppers. You can use leftover rice or cook it ahead of time.

Preventing Soggy Peppers

To prevent soggy peppers, you can lightly brush the inside of the peppers with olive oil before filling them. Also, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the ground beef mixture.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Overcrowding the air fryer can prevent the peppers from cooking evenly. Cook the peppers in batches if necessary.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about stuffed peppers is their versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking with these variations:

Different Meats

Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, Italian sausage, or even a combination of meats.

Adding Vegetables

Mix in other vegetables such as zucchini, corn, black beans, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.

Spicy Stuffed Peppers

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use jalapenos or serrano peppers for extra heat.

Cheese Variations

Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Planning

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions and meal planning tips:

Side Dish Ideas

Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also stuff the peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to air fry them.

Freezing Instructions

Stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, individually wrap the stuffed peppers in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then air fry them as directed.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Air fryer ground beef stuffed peppers can be a nutritious and healthy meal option. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information and health benefits:

Protein-Rich

Ground beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.

Vitamins and Minerals

Bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.

Fiber Content

The rice and vegetables in the stuffing provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Lower in Fat

Using lean ground beef and cooking the peppers in the air fryer reduces the amount of fat in the dish compared to traditional oven-baked methods.

FAQ

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Keep a close eye on the peppers during the last few minutes of cooking and reduce the air fryer temperature if necessary.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use any type of cooked rice you prefer, such as brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.