Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice are the perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty dish features tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and onions, all baked in a rich and flavorful ketchup and chicken stock sauce. Topped with a dollop of sour cream, these stuffed peppers are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic, and this version with ground beef and rice is sure to become a family favorite. The rich, flavorful stuffing packs a punch, with the perfect balance of savory beef, aromatic onions, and rice that soaks up all the delicious juices from the sauce. The combination of ketchup and chicken stock creates a tangy, savory base that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s an easy-to-make, one-pot dish that’s great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 12-14 (depending on size) bell peppers (assorted colors)

• 3 lbs ground beef (20% fat works best)

• 2 cups rice (Uncle Ben’s Original Long Grain White Rice recommended)

• 1 cup chopped yellow onions

• 3 cups ketchup

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/4 tsp celery salt

• 2 cups chicken stock

• Sour cream to serve

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut off the tops of each bell pepper, remove the seeds and veins, and discard. Keep the tops as they make a cute decoration for serving.

2. Make the stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, chopped onion, 2 cups of ketchup, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and celery salt. Mix everything well until fully combined.

3. Stuff the peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the ground beef mixture. Don’t worry if you need to pack the stuffing in a little; the peppers can hold it.

4. Prepare for baking: Divide the stuffed peppers between two pots. Mix the remaining 1 cup of ketchup with the chicken stock, then pour the mixture over and around the peppers.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes if you’re baking both pots at the same time. If baking only one pot, reduce the baking time by 15-20 minutes.

6. Serve: Once done, serve the stuffed peppers warm with a generous dollop of sour cream on top. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 – 14 stuffed peppers

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

• Add vegetables: Feel free to add chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for added texture and flavor.

• Use different meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.

• Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the stuffing mixture.

• Cheese topping: For an extra creamy touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the peppers 10 minutes before they’re done baking and let it melt into a delicious crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking them. Simply wrap each stuffed pepper in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then follow the baking instructions.

• Reheating: Reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of rice, such as brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of rice you use.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just fine, though the flavor will be lighter compared to ground beef.

3. How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?

Make sure to cook the rice according to the package instructions before stuffing it into the peppers. If you’re using uncooked rice, it will need additional time to cook in the peppers, which could affect the texture of the beef filling.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time. Assemble them and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

5. Can I add cheese to the stuffing?

Yes, feel free to mix some shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) into the beef mixture for added flavor and creaminess.

6. Can I freeze the stuffed peppers before baking?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

7. What type of bell peppers should I use?

You can use any color of bell pepper for this recipe, such as red, green, yellow, or orange. The color is mostly for visual appeal, as the taste remains similar across all varieties.

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

9. What if I don’t have chicken stock?

If you don’t have chicken stock, you can substitute it with beef broth, vegetable stock, or even water. You may want to add extra seasoning to make up for the flavor loss.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the stuffing mixture. Adjust the level of heat based on your preference.

Conclusion

Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice are a delicious and filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory beef, rice, and a rich sauce makes every bite incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding the family, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. With endless possibilities for customization, you can make this dish your own while still enjoying the comforting flavors of a classic stuffed pepper.