Quick Baked Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, but sometimes time is short. This recipe for Quick Baked Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers delivers all the delicious flavor you crave without spending hours in the kitchen. We’ll walk you through a streamlined process, using readily available ingredients and smart techniques to get dinner on the table in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Forget about spending an entire afternoon prepping and cooking. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, offering several benefits:

• Speed: The quick baking method significantly reduces cooking time.
• Ease: Simplified steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
• Flavor: Despite the speed, the recipe doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese is irresistible.
• Customization: Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. You can swap out ingredients, adjust the spice level, or use different types of peppers.
• Healthy: Packed with protein and vegetables, this is a relatively balanced meal that can be made even healthier with a few simple tweaks, like using brown rice or lean ground beef.

Mastering the Quick-Bake Method

The key to speed is the baking method. We’re using a higher oven temperature and pre-cooked rice to drastically reduce the cooking time. Here’s how it works:

1. Preparing the Peppers: Cut the peppers in half lengthwise through the stems and remove the seeds and membranes. This creates boat-like shapes perfect for stuffing. For an extra step, quickly blanching the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes can slightly soften them, but it’s not essential for this quick method.

2. Making the Filling: The ground beef is cooked on the stove with onions, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. A can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce adds moisture and flavor. Pre-cooked rice (either leftover or quickly prepared in the microwave) is then mixed into the beef mixture.

3. Stuffing and Baking: The pepper halves are generously filled with the ground beef mixture and topped with shredded cheese. Baking at a higher temperature (around 375°F or 190°C) allows the cheese to melt and the peppers to soften slightly without becoming mushy. Typically, you’ll need to bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

4. Broiling (Optional): For an extra golden-brown and bubbly cheese topping, broil the peppers for a minute or two at the end of the baking time, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, and you can easily adapt it to your liking. Here are some ideas:

• Meat: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or crumbled plant-based ground.
• Rice: Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice can be used instead of white rice. Consider the cook time if using uncooked rice.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the filling, such as corn, black beans, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spices: Adjust the spice level to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some chili powder for extra heat.
• Sauce: Change up the sauce by using marinara sauce, salsa, or even a creamy cheese sauce.
• Peppers: While green bell peppers are most common, you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter flavor and brighter presentation. Poblano peppers are another great option for those who like a little bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Quick Baked Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Follow these simple steps to create delicious stuffed peppers in no time.

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or orange), halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Optional: olive oil for browning, fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Combine with rice: Stir in the cooked rice into the beef mixture.

6. Prepare the peppers: Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish.

7. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the ground beef mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.

8. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers.

9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Broil (Optional): For an extra golden-brown topping, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

11. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your stuffed peppers are a success:

• Don’t overstuff: Overfilling the peppers can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Use a baking dish that fits snugly: Choosing a baking dish that comfortably holds the peppers will help them retain their shape and prevent them from drying out. You may add a very small amount of water or broth to the bottom to help steam the peppers while they bake.
• Adjust baking time based on pepper size: Larger peppers may require a slightly longer baking time.
• Let the peppers cool slightly before serving: This will prevent the filling from being too hot and allow the flavors to develop further.
• Freeze for later: Stuffed peppers freeze very well. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese just before baking.

• How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

Blanching the peppers briefly before stuffing can help them retain their shape and prevent them from becoming soggy. Also, be sure to drain off any excess liquid from the ground beef mixture.

• Can I use different types of peppers?

Absolutely! While bell peppers are the most common choice, you can use other types of peppers, such as poblano peppers, for a spicier flavor.

• What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a side salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

• How do I store leftover stuffed peppers?

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.