Cheese-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats with Ground Beef

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a keto-friendly hearty meal. This mexican-inspired beef (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, olive oil, small, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange 4 halved and seeded medium bell peppers cut side up on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb ground beef, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up meat until browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the 8 bell pepper halves, then top each with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 tbsp per half).
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats with Ground Beef take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats with Ground Beef?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats with Ground Beef?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheese-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats with Ground Beef for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheese-Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats with Ground Beef keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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