Are you stuck in a dinner rut? It happens to the best of us. You open the fridge, see that package of ground beef, and your mind just draws a blank. Spaghetti again? Tacos for the third time this month? It is easy to fall back on the same old dishes, but what if I told you there’s a better way to handle dinner tonight?
Let’s talk about one of the most versatile Ground Beef Recipes you can make. We are taking that humble ground beef and turning it into something special. These grilled stuffed peppers are colorful, packed with flavor, and so satisfying. They are one of those Meals With Ground Beef that looks impressive but is actually quite simple to put together. Get ready to shake up your dinner routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just fantastic. Grilling the peppers adds a wonderful smoky char that you just can’t get from an oven. It complements the savory beef filling so well. It is a simple touch that makes a huge difference in taste.
This is also a complete meal packed into a neat little package. You have your protein, your veggies, and your carbs all in one bell pepper. This makes serving and cleanup a total breeze. It is one of my favorite Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner for exactly that reason. Less mess means more time to relax.
You can also customize this recipe to your heart’s content. Don’t have cheddar? Use Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. Want a little more kick? Add some chopped jalapeños to the filling. It is a very forgiving recipe, which makes it great for using up what you have in the fridge.
It’s a visually appealing dish too. The bright colors of the bell peppers filled with that cheesy, beefy mixture look so inviting. When you bring these to the table, they just scream delicious. It’s a great way to make a regular weeknight feel a little more special without a lot of extra work.
This is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas that truly delivers. The prep is straightforward and once the peppers are on the grill, you can just let them cook. It gives you time to set the table or whip up a simple side salad. It is a low stress meal that delivers big on satisfaction.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these stuffed peppers are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. We are using classic components to build a really flavorful filling. An 80/20 ground beef gives you just the right amount of fat for a juicy result.
Feel free to use any color of bell pepper you like. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are a bit sweeter, while green peppers have a more earthy taste. A mix of colors always looks great on the platter.
- 6 whole bell peppers, tops and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 beef)
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 15 ounce can Diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 4 ounce can of green chilies, liquid removed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Grill Ready
First things first, let’s prepare the grill. You want to set it up for indirect cooking. This means the heat source won’t be directly under the peppers. This method allows them to cook through and get tender without burning on the bottom.
Aim for a temperature of around 375 degrees F. This is a good moderate heat that will cook the peppers perfectly in about 30 to 40 minutes. Getting the grill preheated is key, so do this before you start anything else.
Step 2: Prepare The Peppers And Rice
While the grill heats up, get your peppers ready. Carefully slice the tops off. You’ll want to save the tops, as you can chop them up and add them to the filling for extra flavor and no waste. Scoop out all the seeds and the white membranes inside. Give them a quick rinse and set them aside.
Next, if you haven’t already, cook your jasmine rice. Just follow the directions on the package. Having the rice cooked and ready to go will make the filling process much smoother. Using day old rice works great here too.
Step 3: Cook The Filling
Now for the heart of our Ground Beef Recipes: the filling. Grab a large cast iron pan and place it over medium heat. Add your olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onions and cook them for about five minutes until they soften up and become fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it completely, which should take about six to eight minutes. Once it’s cooked through, add the diced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell it. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Mix The Filling Ingredients
Time to turn that cooked beef into a delicious stuffing. Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, green chilies, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pan. Give it a good stir to combine everything. The mix of ingredients creates one of the best Meals With Ground Beef.
Remove the pan from the heat. Now, stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will help it get a little melty and bind the filling together. This is a good time to taste it and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
Step 5: Stuff The Peppers
This is the fun part. Take your prepared bell peppers and start filling them up. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper. You should use about a quarter cup of filling per pepper, but this can vary depending on their size. Just try to distribute the filling evenly among them.
Don’t pack the filling in too tightly. You want it to be full but not compressed. Once they are all stuffed, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each pepper. Be generous here. The melted cheese on top is a wonderful part of the dish.
Step 6: Grill The Peppers
Carefully place the stuffed peppers on the grill, cut side up. Remember to put them over the indirect heat zone you created earlier. Close the grill lid and let them cook for 30 to 40 minutes. This is one of those Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner that is mostly hands off once it starts cooking.
You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender and have a slightly roasted look. The cheese on top should be completely melted and bubbly. If your peppers are wobbly, you can place them in a cast iron dish on the grill to keep them standing upright.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the peppers cool down completely to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three or four days.
When you’re ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in a few ways. The oven is a great option. Place them in a baking dish at 350 degrees F until they are heated through. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, though the pepper might get a little softer.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your stuffed peppers turn out great every time. These suggestions can help you adapt the recipe and add your own personal touch.
- When choosing peppers, look for ones that are wide and have a flat bottom. This will help them stand up on their own on the grill.
- Don’t be afraid to try different cheeses. A spicy pepper jack would add a nice kick, or a simple mozzarella would be extra gooey and mild.
- For a lower carb version, you can substitute the rice with cooked quinoa or even cauliflower rice. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- No grill? No problem. You can bake these in an oven at 375 degrees F for the same amount of time. They will still be delicious.
- Remember to use the pepper tops. Finely chop them and add them to the pan with the onions for extra flavor and less food waste.
Conclusion
These grilled stuffed peppers are more than just a meal. They are a fun, flavorful, and simple way to enjoy dinner. It is a fantastic example of how creative you can get with Ground Beef Recipes. The smoky flavor from the grill takes this dish to a whole new level.
Whether you’re looking for Quick Dinner Ideas or just want to try something new, this recipe is a great choice. It is satisfying, easy to make, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. So next time you’re wondering what to make with ground beef, give these peppers a try.
FAQ
Can I Make These Stuffed Peppers In The Oven?
Yes, you absolutely can. If you don’t have a grill, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. They will be just as tasty.
What Kind Of Ground Beef Is Best?
I recommend using an 80/20 ground beef. The 20 percent fat content adds a lot of flavor and ensures the filling stays moist and juicy. You can use a leaner ground beef if you prefer, but you might find the filling a bit drier.
Any of your favorite Ground Meat Recipes For Dinner will benefit from a good quality meat. So choose what works best for your taste and budget.
Can I Prepare These Ahead Of Time?
You sure can. To save time, you can make the entire filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just stuff the peppers, top with cheese, and grill as directed. This makes it an even better option for a busy weeknight.
What Can I Serve With These?
Since these peppers are a fairly complete meal on their own, you don’t need much on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great option. You could also serve them with a side of corn on the cob or some crusty bread to soak up any juices.
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
These grilled stuffed peppers are colorful, packed with flavor, and satisfying. Grilling adds a smoky char that complements the savory beef and rice filling, making it a wonderful meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, let’s prepare the grill. You want to set it up for indirect cooking, meaning the heat source won’t be directly under the peppers. Aim for a temperature of around 375 degrees F (190°C). Getting the grill preheated is key, so do this before you start anything else.
- While the grill heats up, get your peppers ready. Carefully slice the tops off and scoop out all the seeds and the white membranes inside. Give them a quick rinse. Next, if you haven’t already, cook your jasmine rice.
- Grab a large cast iron pan and place it over medium heat. Add your olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onions and cook them for about five minutes until they soften. Add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, browning it completely, which should take about six to eight minutes. Once it’s cooked through, add the diced garlic and cook for just one more minute.
- Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, green chilies, kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and thyme to the pan. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese.
- Take your prepared bell peppers and start filling them up. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, distributing the filling evenly among them. Don’t pack the filling in too tightly. Once they are all stuffed, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each pepper.
- Carefully place the stuffed peppers on the grill, cut side up, over the indirect heat zone. Close the grill lid and let them cook for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender and have a slightly roasted look, and the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbly.
Notes
Aim for wide, flat-bottomed peppers for stability on the grill.
Experiment with various cheeses like spicy pepper jack or gooey mozzarella for diverse flavors.
For a lighter option, replace rice with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice, adjusting seasonings as desired.
If you don’t have a grill, bake peppers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for the same duration until tender.
Minimize food waste by finely chopping and adding pepper tops to the filling with the onions.
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