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This vibrant cheeseburger stuffed peppers recipe brings all the flavor of your favorite fast food without the carbs. Perfect for keto dieters or anyone looking for a healthier twist on comfort food, these colorful mini peppers create a delicious vessel for seasoned ground beef and melty cheese.
I first created these stuffed peppers when trying to satisfy my husband's cheeseburger cravings during our keto journey. Now they've become our go-to dinner for busy weeknights when we want something satisfying without the guilt.
Ingredients
- Mini peppers: these colorful little gems are sweeter than bell peppers and perfect for individual portions
- Ground beef: opt for 80/20 fat content for the juiciest filling with authentic burger flavor
- Salt: enhances all other flavors in the dish
- Black pepper: adds classic burger seasoning
- Paprika: contributes subtle smokiness and beautiful color
- Italian seasoning: adds depth with its herb blend
- Garlic powder: provides savory notes without the work of fresh garlic
- Ground cumin: brings earthy warmth that complements beef perfectly
- Grated onion with juice: the secret to moist flavorful beef mixture
- Egg white: works as a binder to keep the filling together
- Shredded mozzarella: creates that essential gooey cheese pull we all love
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheet by spraying it with olive oil spray. This temperature allows the peppers to soften while cooking the beef thoroughly without drying it out.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a medium bowl combine the ground beef salt black pepper paprika Italian seasoning garlic powder ground cumin grated onion and egg white. Mix thoroughly but gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make your beef tough so stop once everything is evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Peppers:
- Take each mini pepper and slice it lengthwise from stem to tip creating two equal halves. Use a small spoon to gently scrape out the seeds and white membrane. Arrange them cut side up on your prepared baking sheet.
- Fill the Peppers:
- Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper half filling it just to the top and leaving the surface flat. Pack the mixture in gently but avoid overstuffing as the meat will expand slightly during cooking.
- Bake the Peppers:
- Place the filled peppers in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The peppers should begin to soften and the meat should be fully cooked through reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Add Cheese and Finish:
- Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over each pepper. Return to the oven for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble. For an extra golden top you can broil for the final minute.
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Make Ahead and Storage
These cheeseburger stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire recipe through the baking stage then cool completely and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to eat simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
For longer storage freeze the baked peppers without cheese on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator add cheese and reheat in the oven until hot.
Easy Variations
Change up these stuffed peppers to keep your family excited about this healthy meal. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Swap the mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy kick or use cheddar for a more traditional cheeseburger flavor.
For added flavor incorporate chopped bacon into the meat mixture or sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top with the cheese. You can also add diced mushrooms to the beef mixture to stretch the recipe and add extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a complete low carb meal. If you have family members who arent following keto offer a side of sweet potato fries or regular buns to create actual stuffed cheeseburgers.
For a fun presentation set up a toppings bar with diced pickles sliced tomatoes chopped lettuce and sugar-free ketchup so everyone can customize their peppers just like a burger bar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use bell peppers instead of mini peppers?
Yes, bell peppers work perfectly. Simply slice them into halves and remove the seeds before stuffing.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella is a classic choice, but sharp cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack can add unique flavors.
- → How can I make these dairy-free?
Omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the peppers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply bake fresh when ready to serve.
- → How do I ensure the ground beef mixture is flavorful?
Adjust seasonings to taste and ensure the onion adds moisture and depth. Consider additional garlic or cumin if desired.
- → What sides pair well with stuffed peppers?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice makes an excellent pairing.