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Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
5 from 30 votes

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers combine halved and hollowed bell peppers filled with a mix of browned ground beef, cooked rice, tomato paste, condiments, and spices, topped with cheddar cheese. The peppers steam while baking to soften their flesh without becoming mushy. The accompanying cheddar cheese sauce adds creamy richness that complements the savory filling, making it a hearty and satisfying meal option.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 229 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 bell pepper any color
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • ½ lb ground beef
  • 1.5 cups rice cooked
  • 5-6 TBSP tomato paste
  • 3 TBSP ketchup
  • 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 TBSP yellow mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt each) or season to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper each) or season to taste
  • 1/2-1 cup cheddar cheese grated, brand Cabot Sharp
CABOT CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE
  • 1 TBSP butter unsalted
  • 1 TBSP all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup milk (I usually use 2%)
  • 1 oz cream cheese (cut into 6 pieces)
  • 4-5 oz cheddar cheese grated, Cabot Medium
  • ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • ⅛ tsp salt or to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Slice each bell pepper in half. Hollow out each pepper, removing stem, seeds, and membrane. Halved peppers will yield 6 portions. If simply slicing the top off the peppers and stuffing them is preferred, the yield will be 3 larger portions.
  2. If you don't have leftover rice handy (we meal prep ours for the week!), cook rice via your favorie method.
  3. Measure out filling ingredients and pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  4. In a large pan or skillet, brown ground beef and onion until cooked through. Stir in rice, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix in cheese. (or save cheese for topping peppers if skipping the cheese sauce)
  5. Place peppers in a lipped baking dish or casserole pan. Pour a cup of water around the peppers (to steam the and soften the peppers while baking) and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached.
  6. While the peppers bake, make the cheese sauce!
  7. Freshly grate your cheddar (pre-shredded cheese won't work here) and measure out all ingredients. This cheese sauce comes together fast!
  8. Warm your milk in the microwave for 30-40 seconds and set aside. Heat a small sauce pot and add your butter. Once melted, add flour and whisk into butter vigorously until they become bubbly and foamy. Continue to cook and whisk constantly for about a minute to cook off the flour taste.
  9. Add warm milk and whisk vigorously into flour mixture. Allow milk to come to a simmer, whisking occasionally as it thickens. Once it has thickened, turn off burner and remove pot from heat. Add cream cheese and whisk until melted. Next slowly add grated cheddar in 3 batches, stirring it in until the cheese is fully melted. I like to keep the pot off the heat here so the cheese doesn't overhead and turn gritty. If you work quickly the milk should be hot enough to melt the cheese. If needed, put back on the still-warm burner to help gently melt the cheese. Season with cayenne pepper and salt and set aside.
  10. Once the peppers are ready, pour cheese sauce over the peppers (add a little, or a lot!) and top with all your favorite burger toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Slice peppers in halves or tops off depending on desired portion size and presentation.
  • Add toppings like shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, or sauces to create a burger-like experience.
  • Use pre-cooked rice for convenience or cook fresh before mixing.
  • Cheese sauce adds creaminess but can be omitted if preferred.

Nutrition Information

Calories 229kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 37mg (12%) Sodium 422mg (18%) Potassium 435mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 2205IU (44%) Vitamin C 79.6mg (88%) Calcium 91mg (9%) Iron 1.7mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 229

% Daily Value*

Calories 229kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 37mg 12%
Sodium 422mg 18%
Potassium 435mg 9%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 2205IU 44%
Vitamin C 79.6mg 88%
Calcium 91mg 9%
Iron 1.7mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.