BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers bring together the smoky, tangy flavors of a backyard barbecue with the comfort of a classic stuffed pepper. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, offering a fun twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients for BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are the perfect vessel for holding our tasty filling, offering a mild sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce. Ground beef adds hearty texture and rich flavor, essential for a satisfying meal. Rice helps to bulk up the filling, making it more substantial and comforting.

BBQ sauce brings a tangy, smoky depth to the dish, tying all the flavors together. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, adding layers of flavor. Smoked paprika enhances the smokiness, while salt and black pepper season everything perfectly. Olive oil is used for sautéing, ensuring everything cooks evenly. Finally, cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a deliciously gooey finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your peppers won't stand upright, slice a thin piece off the bottom to create a flat surface.
  • Cook the rice in advance to save time when you're ready to assemble the dish.
  • Feel free to use leftover cooked rice from a previous meal.
  • Try adding a bit of chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick if you're a fan of heat.

Serving Suggestions

These peppers pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you're hosting, consider serving them alongside some warm cornbread or grilled corn on the cob to enhance the BBQ theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well as lighter alternatives.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with a plant-based ground or extra beans for protein.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). You'll want it nice and hot by the time the peppers are ready to go in. Take your bell peppers and cut the tops off, then scoop out the seeds and membranes. This creates a perfect little bowl for our filling.

Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, giving them a quick sauté until they're softened, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef next, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it browned and crumbly — this usually takes around 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is ready, stir in the cooked rice, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors are well combined. Now, spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared pepper, packing it in tightly.

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Slide them into your preheated oven to bake for about 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each pepper. Return them to the oven for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once they're out of the oven, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley makes a nice, fresh garnish before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the smoky flavor of BBQ with wholesome ingredients.
  • Simple to prepare — perfect for busy evenings.
  • A single dish that's both filling and satisfying.
  • Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and cheese.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked rice, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
6. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing it tightly.
7. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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