Juicy • High-Protein • Comfort Food Made Easy
Juicy, well-seasoned beef tucked into colorful bell pepper cups, topped with gooey melted cheese and baked until bubbly—these pepper cups are weeknight-easy and always a hit.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Beef Filling
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp cumin (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Peppers
- 3–4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Cut into thick rings or mini cups
Cheese Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion; cook until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick and saucy.
2️⃣ Prepare the Peppers
- Slice peppers into thick rings or hollow mini cups.
- Lightly season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Assemble
- Arrange peppers in a baking dish or foil cups.
- Fill generously with beef mixture.
- Top with mozzarella (and cheddar if using).
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
5️⃣ Serve
- Rest 5 minutes, then serve warm and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- Extra filling: Mix cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice into the beef.
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños 🌶️
- Fresh finish: Top with parsley, cilantro, or green onions.
- Low-carb: Skip grains and use full-fat cheese.
- Mediterranean twist: Add olives and a sprinkle of feta on top.
Nut & Allergen Information
- Nut-Free: ✔ Yes
- Gluten-Free: ✔ Yes (check tomato sauce label)
- Contains dairy: Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar)
- Contains: Beef, dairy
- Not suitable for: Vegetarian or vegan diets
Always verify packaged ingredients if cooking for allergies.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: ~28 g
- Fat: ~24 g
- Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
(Varies by cheese and beef fat content.)
Q & A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Best frozen before baking. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: What beef works best?
A: 85/15 ground beef gives great flavor without excess grease.
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
A: Absolutely—add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for moisture.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.