Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. These stuffed peppers bring together the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, but wrapped in a colorful bell pepper. The combination of healthy vegetables with the indulgence of a cheeseburger makes for a satisfying, lower-carb alternative that’s just as tasty as the original.

Stuffed peppers have been around for centuries and are known in various cuisines, from Mediterranean to Latin American. The modern twist of using them as a “vessel” for cheeseburger fillings has gained popularity due to the trend of making healthier versions of classic dishes. By substituting the traditional burger bun with a bell pepper, the recipe transforms into a nutrient-packed, keto-friendly meal that retains all the rich, comforting flavors of a cheeseburger.

Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, trying to get more vegetables into your meals, or simply looking for a new take on a beloved comfort food, Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef will not disappoint. This recipe offers plenty of room for customization based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

This recipe is relatively simple to make and requires just a few steps. Here’s the detailed, step-by-step guide to making Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef:

Step 1: Preparing the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed peppers will cook evenly and get nice and tender.
2. Prep the Peppers
   • Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Be careful not to cut too much off the top, as you’ll need enough “lid” to keep the stuffing intact while baking.
   • If the peppers don’t stand upright, you can trim a thin slice off the bottom to create a stable base.
   • If desired, you can blanch the peppers by placing them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly, though this is optional. This step makes them easier to bite into but may reduce their crispness.

Step 2: Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil or cooking spray. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it crumbles into small, even pieces.
   • Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
2. Add Onions and Garlic
   • Add the diced onions to the skillet with the cooked ground beef and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Season the Filling
   • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any other spices or seasonings you prefer (like smoked paprika or chili powder). This is the time to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
   • Add in any optional ingredients like diced pickles, tomatoes, or crumbled bacon, if using. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Add Cheese
   • Lower the heat to low, and stir in about half of your shredded cheese. The cheese will melt into the filling, making it rich and gooey.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the Peppers
   • Spoon the cheeseburger filling into each bell pepper, packing it gently. Be sure to fill each pepper to the top, but avoid overstuffing.
   • Top the stuffed peppers with the remaining shredded cheese, ensuring that each pepper is well-covered.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

1. Prepare for Baking
   • Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. You can add a little bit of water (or beef broth) to the bottom of the dish to help keep the peppers moist as they bake.
2. Bake
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot throughout.
   • If you like a crispier, golden cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish
   • After baking, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a burst of color.
   • Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or low-carb fries.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

1. Make Sure the Peppers are Tender
   • If you want your peppers to be extra tender, consider blanching them beforehand. Alternatively, bake them longer, but be careful not to let the filling dry out.
2. Use Lean Beef
   • While fatty ground beef (80/20) creates a juicier filling, you can easily use leaner ground beef (90/10 or even ground turkey) for a healthier version. If you use leaner meat, consider adding a bit of olive oil to the filling to compensate for the lack of fat.
3. Customize the Filling
   • Don’t hesitate to customize the filling. You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the mix for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also switch up the cheese (try blue cheese for a bold flavor or Gouda for creaminess).
4. Freezing for Later
   • These stuffed peppers freeze well! You can prepare and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then freeze them before baking. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are a versatile dish, and there are many ways to make them your own:

1. Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Bacon

• Add crispy, crumbled bacon into the filling for that smoky, salty flavor. You can also top the peppers with more bacon for extra crunch.

2. Keto Version

• Omit any breadcrumbs and use almond flour if you want to add a bit of texture to the filling. You can also use a cheese with higher fat content to keep it keto-friendly.

3. Veggie Burger Stuffed Peppers

• Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, tempeh, or vegan ground beef for a vegetarian or vegan version.

4. Southwest Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

• Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling to give it a southwest twist. Top with a dollop of guacamole or salsa for added flavor.

5. Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Eggs

• For a breakfast variation, top the stuffed peppers with a cooked egg (fried, scrambled, or poached). The runny yolk adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the cheeseburger filling perfectly.

The Perfect Cheeseburger in a Healthy, Colorful Package

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef offer a delicious, creative, and healthier take on the traditional cheeseburger. With a few simple ingredients, a little creativity, and the freedom to modify the recipe to suit your tastes, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative or just a fun twist on a classic comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Meal Prep and Storage for Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are an excellent choice for meal prepping, as they store well and reheat beautifully. Whether you’re making them for the week ahead, for a busy night, or to feed a crowd, this dish is versatile and easy to manage. Below, we’ll break down the best practices for storing, freezing, and reheating Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers so you can enjoy them at any time.

Making Ahead

One of the greatest benefits of Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers is their ability to be prepped in advance. You can prepare the entire dish up to a few days ahead of time, making them a great option for busy people looking to save time during the week. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Filling and Peppers
   • You can cook the ground beef, season it, and mix it with the cheese, onions, and any other ingredients ahead of time. Place the mixture in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
   • Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops, removing seeds, and hollowing them out. Store them separately in the fridge if they aren’t being stuffed immediately.
2. Assemble the Stuffed Peppers
   • Once your filling and peppers are ready, stuff the peppers with the cheeseburger mixture and top them with cheese. Cover the prepared stuffed peppers tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Baking When Ready
   • When you’re ready to cook, simply bake the stuffed peppers as directed. You might need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if the peppers are cold from the fridge.

Creative Ways to Serve Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

While Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are already a hearty meal on their own, there are numerous ways to serve them and elevate the experience. Pair them with a variety of sides or get creative with toppings to bring out more flavor.

1. Serve with a Side Salad

• A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect complement to these rich, cheesy stuffed peppers. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad for some crunch. The freshness of the salad helps balance the richness of the stuffed peppers.

Recommended Salad Options:

• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds some coolness and crunch to counter the warmth of the peppers.
• Greek Salad: A Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta would make for a zesty, light side.

2. Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a great way to add a healthy and flavorful side. The caramelization from roasting enhances their natural sweetness and balances the savory stuffed peppers.

Suggested Roasted Veggies:

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory filling in the peppers.
• Garlic-Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus brings a light and earthy flavor that works well with beef.

3. Add Some Crunch with Fries or Chips

• If you’re craving more of a traditional “cheeseburger” experience, serve your stuffed peppers with crispy fries or chips. Opt for homemade oven-baked fries for a healthier option, or even zucchini fries for a low-carb alternative.

Fried Variations:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the stuffed peppers.
• Kale Chips: A crunchy, healthy alternative to potato chips, kale chips are both nutrient-dense and delicious.

4. Serve with a Dipping Sauce

• A dipping sauce can add another layer of flavor and make the meal even more fun. For a traditional cheeseburger flavor, try ketchup and mustard, or mix them together to create your own special sauce. You can also offer a side of ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo for a kick.

Alternative Sauces:

• Guacamole: For a creamy, fresh addition.
• BBQ Sauce: If you like a smoky-sweet flavor, BBQ sauce is an excellent option to complement the beef filling.

5. Use a Bun for an Extra Cheeseburger Twist

• If you’re not worried about carbs, you can serve these Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers on top of toasted hamburger buns to create a “stuffed burger” experience. Toasting the buns adds texture and flavor, and the peppers serve as a fun, hearty twist to the typical cheeseburger.

Dietary Modifications and Variations

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are incredibly versatile, and the recipe can be easily modified to fit various dietary needs or preferences. Here are some ideas for making the dish work for different diets:

1. Keto/Low-Carb Version

• The dish is already naturally low in carbs, but here are some tweaks to make it even more keto-friendly:
  • Skip the breadcrumbs: Instead of breadcrumbs, use almond flour or ground pork rinds as a filler if you want a slightly denser filling.
  • Use full-fat cheese: Opt for higher-fat cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to ensure the dish is rich and satisfying.
  • Use more non-starchy vegetables: If you want a lighter version, serve the stuffed peppers with extra leafy greens or zucchini instead of starchy side dishes like potatoes.

2. Gluten-Free Version

• The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip any breadcrumbs or ensure that any pre-packaged ingredients like sauces and dressings are labeled gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you decide to add them.

3. Vegetarian or Vegan Version

• For a vegetarian or vegan version of Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers, replace the ground beef with:
  • Plant-based ground meat: There are several excellent plant-based ground meat substitutes on the market, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. These will give you a similar texture and flavor to ground beef.
  • Lentils: For a hearty, protein-packed filling, cooked lentils make an excellent substitute for ground beef.
  • Quinoa: For a lighter, fluffier alternative, quinoa can serve as the base for a vegetarian filling, combined with sautéed vegetables and seasonings.
• Replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheddar or mozzarella, or skip the cheese altogether if preferred.

4. Dairy-Free Version

• To make the dish dairy-free, simply replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Many stores offer dairy-free options that melt well, such as those made from coconut or cashews.

5. Paleo Version

• If you’re following a paleo diet, swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or omit them altogether. Use grass-fed beef, and make sure all sauces and seasonings are free from additives or sugar.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef is a fun, delicious, and versatile dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger while offering a healthier alternative. With this detailed guide, you now have everything you need to make the perfect stuffed peppers, whether you’re preparing them for a family meal, a week of meal prep, or a special occasion. The dish is easily customizable to suit any dietary need, and the flavors are universally loved. Whether you’re using lean beef, plant-based options, or adding extra toppings, Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers will become your go-to recipe for a comforting, satisfying, and flavorful meal.

Yield: 4

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe

Print

Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. These stuffed peppers bring together the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, but wrapped in a colorful bell pepper. The combination of healthy vegetables with the indulgence of a cheeseburger makes for a satisfying, lower-carb alternative that’s just as tasty as the original.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
• 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional, for that extra cheeseburger flavor)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added texture)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the peppers:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside.
   
2. Cook the beef mixture:
   In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   Stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until combined and heated through.
   Optional: Stir in diced pickles for that extra cheeseburger kick!
   
3. Stuff the peppers:
   Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down lightly.
   Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
   
4. Bake:
   Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
5. Garnish and serve:
   Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Customizing the filling:The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can easily customize the filling by adding things like diced tomatoes, cooked bacon bits, or even sautéed mushrooms. For a slightly healthier version, you can use lean ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.

Cheese options:While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for a cheeseburger-inspired dish, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a different flavor profile.

Make-ahead tip:You can prep the ground beef mixture a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the peppers when you're ready to bake them. This makes for a quick weeknight dinner or a great meal prep option.

Optional breadcrumbs:If you want to add a little crunch to the top of your stuffed peppers, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs (preferably panko) over the cheese before baking. This step is optional but adds a nice textural contrast.

Serving suggestions:These stuffed peppers are a full meal on their own, but you can pair them with a side of crispy fries, a green salad, or coleslaw for a complete "cheeseburger" experience.