Description
This Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal. Tender bell peppers are filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, topped with melty Colby Jack cheese, all cooked perfectly in the air fryer for a satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bell Peppers
- 4 bell peppers (tops removed and cored)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
Tomato Mixture
- 15 oz diced tomatoes (preferably Hunt’s for best texture)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
Rice and Seasonings
- 2 cups cooked rice (cooled to room temperature)
- 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Others
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin, Bertolli preferred)
- 2.25 cups Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Start by removing the tops and coring the 4 bell peppers. Set them aside to be filled later.
- Sauté the Onion and Beef: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in 15 oz diced tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 1.5 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes to combine flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in Cooked Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 2 cups of cooked, cooled rice. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each prepared bell pepper cavity generously with the beef and rice mixture, packing lightly to fill.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle about 2.25 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers.
- Air Fry the Peppers: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket standing upright. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer and serve them hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
- If your air fryer is small, cook peppers in batches to avoid overcrowding.
