Cheeseburger-stuffed peppers

Cheeseburger-stuffed peppers combine ground beef, cheese, and seasonings with vibrant bell peppers for a nutritious twist on a classic dish. This easy recipe is perfect for family dinners and offers all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a healthy package.

18 Jan 2026
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.

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!

Cheeseburger-stuffed peppers FAQ:

What is the baking time for cheeseburger-stuffed peppers?

Bake the stuffed peppers covered with foil in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How can I tell when the stuffed peppers are done?

The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and heated through, with the cheese on top melted and bubbly. A fork should easily pierce the peppers, indicating they are cooked.

Can I store leftover cheeseburger-stuffed peppers in the fridge?

Yes, you can store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

What can I substitute for brown rice in this recipe?

You can substitute brown rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even white rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, particularly for quicker-cooking substitutes like cauliflower rice.

What type of ground beef should I use for cheeseburger-stuffed peppers?

Using ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for this recipe, as it provides good flavor and moisture. However, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.

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.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 510kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 14g
Fat 30g

Cheeseburger-stuffed peppers