Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef – Easy & Cheesy Weeknight Dinner

In the culinary world, stuffed peppers have long been a comfort food classic. Today, I’m excited to share a modern twist on this traditional dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef offer a quicker cooking method while maintaining that delicious, satisfying taste we all love. These colorful bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a complete meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also creates a wonderful texture with slightly charred edges and perfectly tender peppers. If you’re looking to explore more delicious air fryer recipes, air fryer recipes for beginners can help you discover even more time-saving dishes that don’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeded
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Tools:
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowl
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Wooden spoon or spatula

Prep & Cooking Time for a Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Dish

– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Easily

1. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a small piece from the bottom so they stand upright.

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.

3. Add aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Create the filling: Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice and half of the cheese.

5. Fill the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them to the top.

6. Air fry the stuffed peppers: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Brush the outsides of the stuffed peppers with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.

7. Add cheese and finish cooking: Open the air fryer and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the peppers. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Creating Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef is much faster than using a conventional oven, making this a perfect weeknight dinner option. If you’re new to air frying, exploring air fryer recipes for beginners can help you master techniques like this one.

Nutritional Benefits of This Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Recipe

This balanced meal offers numerous health benefits:
– Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune health
– Lean ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron
– Brown rice (if used) adds fiber and complex carbohydrates
– The air frying method requires less oil than traditional frying
– One serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, 25g protein, and 15g of fat

Variations, Substitutions & Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Lovers

– Protein options: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives
– Grain alternatives: Use quinoa, bulgur, or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice
– Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast
– Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat
– Mediterranean style: Mix in olives, feta cheese, and Mediterranean herbs

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

1. Overcrowding the air fryer: Work in batches if necessary for even cooking
2. Undercooking the peppers: They should be tender but still hold their shape
3. Using uncooked rice: Always pre-cook rice before adding to the filling
4. Not draining the tomatoes: Excess moisture can make the filling soggy
5. Forgetting to preheat the air fryer: This ensures even cooking from start to finish

Storage & Reheating Tips to Keep Your Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef Fresh

– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
– Freezing: Freeze fully cooked and cooled peppers for up to 3 months
– Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 325°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes
– Meal prep: Prepare the filling in advance and stuff peppers just before cooking

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Making Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef at Home

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef transform a classic comfort dish into a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition. The air fryer method creates perfectly tender peppers with a deliciously caramelized exterior in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. And if you’re just starting your air fryer journey, these stuffed peppers are an excellent addition to your collection of air fryer recipes for beginners that showcase the versatility of this handy kitchen appliance.

FAQs About Cooking Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator and add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when my stuffed peppers are done cooking?
The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the filling should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly golden.

Can I use frozen bell peppers for this recipe?
Fresh bell peppers work best for stuffed peppers. Frozen peppers tend to become too soft and watery when cooked.

What can I serve with air fryer stuffed peppers?
A simple green salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to complete the meal.

My peppers won’t stand up in the air fryer. What should I do?
If your peppers keep tipping over, try cutting a small slice off the bottom to create a flat surface, or use small ramekins to help them stand upright in the air fryer basket.