Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Low-carb bell peppers stuffed with savory ground beef and creamy cheese, baked to golden perfection for a hearty keto meal. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika; cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until mixture is creamy and well combined.
  6. Step 6: Arrange 3 large bell pepper halves on a baking dish and fill each with the beef and cheese mixture.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes until peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Step 8: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers 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 Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers 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 Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers 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 Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef keto?

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

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