Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef & Zucchini

Ingredients 

  • 4 red bell peppers 
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 
  • 1 beef bouillon cube 
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 1 large zucchini, diced 
  • 1 cup cooked white rice 
  • 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded 
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper 
  • Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 

Instructions 

  1. Prep the Peppers & Oven: 

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Dice the tops (minus the stems) to use in the filling later. Place the pepper halves in a baking dish with a thin layer of water at the bottom—this helps them steam while baking. 

  1. Cook the Rice: 

Prepare 1 cup of minute rice according to package directions and set aside. 

  1. Bake the Peppers: 

While you make the filling, pop the peppers in the oven for a quick pre-bake. This softens them up and gets them ready for stuffing. 

  1. Make the Filling: 
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the bouillon cube, season with salt and pepper, then transfer the beef to a bowl. 
  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and reserved pepper tops until softened. Add the garlic and zucchini, cooking for another minute. 
  1. (Optional) If you love extra flavor, sprinkle in some garlic salt at this stage. 
  1. Add the cooked rice and beef back into the skillet. Season with cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Mix well. 
  1. Add the Cheese: 

Stir in 1½ cups of pepper jack cheese until melted and everything is well combined. 

  1. Stuff & Bake: 

Spoon the filling into each pepper half. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly. 

 

Tips: 

  • For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for black beans or lentils. 
  • You can use any cheese you love—cheddar or mozzarella work great too! 
  • Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. 

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy stuffed peppers!