Spanish-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

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

Colorful bell peppers filled with savory ground beef and tomatoes, baked until tender with smoky spices. This spanish-inspired keto ready in about 40 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, diced onion, diced (no sugar added) canned tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Spanish cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces, and cook until browned (5 minutes). Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add diced tomatoes and cook 2 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Spoon beef mixture into hollowed bell peppers. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and top with chopped cilantro. Bake 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

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

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Spanish-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef?

Spanish keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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