Hamburger Meat And Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Name: Hamburger Meat And Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup cooked rice (optional); 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), drained

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics

I absolutely love cooking with vibrant vegetables, and these Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and colorful peppers creates not only a satisfying meal but also a feast for the eyes. They are perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite spices or additional ingredients. Plus, they are fun to make with kids, allowing them to get a bit creative in the kitchen. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-27T15:21:35.675Z

When I first made these Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers, I was amazed at how easily they came together. I started by sautéing some onions and garlic, which filled the kitchen with a delightful aroma. Mixing in the seasoned ground beef before stuffing the peppers made each bite burst with flavor. I love experimenting with different types of cheese, and this time I used a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy finish.

One important tip I discovered is to slightly blanch the peppers before filling them. This not only helps soften the peppers, making them easier to bite into, but also enhances their flavor, ensuring they complement the richness of the meat mixture. The result? A hearty meal that is both nutritious and satisfying!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy ground beef paired with ooey-gooey melted cheese
Colorful peppers that add vitamins and crunch
Versatile dish that you can easily customize with your favorite ingredients

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. Not only do fresh peppers provide the best flavor, but they also hold up better during cooking. You can use a mix of colors to create a vibrant dish, and feel free to experiment with different types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim for a bit of heat. Just make sure they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

If you want to make this dish lower in carbohydrates, consider using zucchini or eggplant instead of traditional bell peppers. Simply hollow out the vegetables like you would the peppers and stuff them as per the recipe. They will offer a unique twist while still delivering that satisfying stuffed texture.

Ground Beef Tips

For the best flavor, choose ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20. This creates a juicy filling that enhances the overall experience of the stuffed peppers, as leaner beef tends to dry out during cooking. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken; just be aware that they can cook quicker, so keep an eye on them.

Don’t forget to break up the beef as it cooks; this helps to create a nice crumbly texture throughout the filling, allowing the flavors to meld better. Aim for your beef to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for optimal safety and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator, ready for baking when you're short on time. If you choose to freeze them, it’s best to do so before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply bake the frozen peppers directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes. If you have leftover cooked peppers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or the oven to preserve the texture.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to get started:

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup cooked rice (optional)
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), drained

Once you have everything prepared, you are ready to start making these stuffed peppers!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious stuffed peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly blanch the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove and let cool.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft. Add the ground beef and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

Enjoy your tasty and colorful stuffed peppers!

Pro Tips

You can also try using ground turkey or even a vegetarian meat alternative for a different flavor profile. Don't hesitate to add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat!

Serving Suggestions

These Hamburger Meat and Cheese Stuffed Peppers can be served alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer toppings like diced avocados, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor. Consider serving it with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like barbecue or ranch, for added fun, especially if kids are involved.

For a complete family meal, pair the stuffed peppers with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any flavorful juices. They’re an excellent choice for gatherings, as they can easily be transported to potlucks and other events.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your peppers are still crunchy after baking, ensure they were cooked long enough during the blanching stage. If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the baking time slightly to allow the peppers to tenderize further. Keep an eye on the cheese as well; it should be bubbly and golden, but if it starts to burn, cover the peppers with foil again half-way through the baking.

Another common issue could be an overly dry filling. If that happens, consider adding a splash of beef broth or a dollop of your favorite tomato sauce into the meat mixture before stuffing. This extra moisture can help boost the flavor and keep the filling juicy.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients! Adding black beans or corn can introduce additional textures and flavors, while chopped spinach or kale can boost the nutritional value. For a spiced-up twist, mix in a bit of taco seasoning or chopped jalapeños for heat.

If cheese is your primary concern, experiment with diverse types—blend cream cheese for extra creaminess or try feta for a tangy flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also create a unique taste profile that makes these stuffed peppers exciting every time you prepare them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

These stuffed peppers are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but you could serve them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

→ Can I freeze leftover stuffed peppers?

Absolutely! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! You can use quinoa, beans, different vegetables, or even leftover chicken or pork in your stuffing.