Have you ever found yourself staring at a pound of ground beef in your fridge, wondering how to transform it into something magical? Well, you’re in luck! These recipes with ground beef promise to elevate your dinner game from “Meh” to “Yum!” Imagine the aroma of seasoned meat sizzling away on your stovetop as it dances with spices and fresh ingredients. It’s like a culinary concert right in your kitchen.
Let me take you back to an unforgettable family gathering where my infamous stuffed peppers graced the table. The laughter, the joy, and those peppers bursting with flavor created memories that still warm my heart. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively weekend feast, this recipe is sure to steal the show. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for an amazing flavor adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious recipe with ground beef not only brings robust flavors but also makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for hearty dinners or casual gatherings
I still remember my niece’s delighted face when she took her first bite of my stuffed peppers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for better flavor and texture without excessive grease.
- Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for visual appeal; they add sweetness and crunch.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sautéed until translucent brings out its natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; it infuses the dish with a delightful aroma.
- Rice: Cooked rice acts as a filler; use brown rice for added nutrition or white for classic taste.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce ties everything together; opt for low-sodium varieties if needed.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese creates a gooey topping; mozzarella or cheddar works perfectly.
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning): Season generously; these spices bring life and personality to your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and cutting the tops off your bell peppers; remove seeds carefully so they’re ready for stuffing.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant—about three minutes should do it!
Cook Ground Beef: Add your ground beef to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Cook until browned—this usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
Add Rice and Sauce: Stir in cooked rice and tomato sauce into the skillet mixture. Let it simmer together for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Stuff Peppers: Spoon the hearty mixture generously into each bell pepper. Make sure they’re packed tight but not overflowing—nobody likes messy dinners!
Bake Until Perfect: Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish filled with water (to help them steam). Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes before uncovering.
Enjoy these delightful stuffed peppers fresh from the oven; let them cool slightly before serving.
Now that you’ve mastered this fantastic recipe with ground beef, why not explore more culinary adventures? Your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Ground beef transforms into a culinary chameleon, adapting to countless flavors
- Mastering its texture can elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary
- The aroma of sizzling beef is guaranteed to make anyone’s mouth water and set the stage for a memorable meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the ground beef in a hot pan first to lock in flavor, then add your vegetables and seasonings for an even cook.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish, or add spices like cumin for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfect sear, let the ground beef sit undisturbed in the pan for several minutes
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this can lead to steaming instead of browning
- Season generously at every layer of cooking for deeper flavor
Sharing stories about my culinary adventures is a joy, especially when my friends rave about this dish at potlucks. Their smiles remind me that food brings people together.
FAQ
What are some easy recipes with ground beef?
Try tacos, spaghetti bolognese, or chili for quick meals everyone loves.
Can I freeze cooked ground beef dishes?
Absolutely! Cooked dishes freeze well and can last up to three months.
How do I know when ground beef is fully cooked?
Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety and flavor.
Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the joy of stuffed peppers filled with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese. This dish is a delicious crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and tomato sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Generously stuff each bell pepper with the mixture, ensuring they are filled but not overflowing.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish with water to steam them and cover with foil. Bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
Notes
- Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg