16 Apr 2025
Cook time 75 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup brown rice
4 red peppers
1 lb ground beef (80/20%)
1 cup onion
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish
1/3 cup tomato sauce
3 tbsp water
3.99 oz mozzarella cheese
Cheeseburger-stuffed peppers offer a delightful twist on a classic meal, combining the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the healthy benefits of bell peppers. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a fun take on a traditional dish that packs a nutritious punch.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Brown Rice:
- Place the 1/3 cup of brown rice and double the amount of water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the 4 red peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Place them in a baking dish, standing upright.
3. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season with a dash of salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, tomato sauce, and water.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Combine and Stuff:
- Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet with the ground beef mixture.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Carefully spoon the mixture into the prepared red peppers, filling them to the top.
5. Bake and Add Cheese:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peppers cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Pre-cook the brown rice to save time during meal preparation.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C) for safety.
- For a spicier version, try adding chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- If you prefer a different type of cheese, cheddar or pepper jack can be great substitutes for mozzarella.
- Par-bake the peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing to ensure they are tender after the final bake.
- Feel free to add other veggies to the filling mixture, like diced tomatoes or mushrooms, for an extra nutritional boost.
These cheeseburger-stuffed peppers are a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love. The combination of savory beef, spices, and gooey mozzarella cheese all packed into a vitamin-rich pepper makes for a satisfying and nutritious dish. Enjoy this creative take on two favorite foods and relish in the compliments you’re sure to receive!