Stuffed Peppers Without Rice

Name: Stuffed Peppers without Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: Olive oil cooking spray; 1 6-ounce can tomato paste (omit for a keto version); 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (see notes below); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 4 large bell peppers (6 small peppers for the keto option); 1 small cauliflower head (cut into large chunks); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (chopped; 6 ounces); 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15); 1 cup cilantro (chopped); 4 ounces sharp cheddar (shredded)

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These delicious stuffed peppers are made without rice. Instead, I use riced cauliflower in the flavorful, well-seasoned mixture. While the recipe, as written, is not low-carb, you can easily make it low-carb by slightly changing the ingredients and portion size, as explained below.

Stuffed peppers without rice are served in a baking dish.

These peppers are hearty and bursting with flavor. The combination of peppers, onions, garlic, and spices is phenomenal. It's also such a pretty and colorful dish. Whenever I make this recipe, I remember my Grandma Chava, who used to make the most amazing stuffed peppers and cabbage leaves (I make cabbage casserole instead). This is my lower-carb version of her classic recipe.

Ingredients

Traditionally, you fill stuffed peppers with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings. I make this recipe without rice, using cauliflower rice instead. It's a delicious and low-carb option that works well to absorb the juices and flavors as the peppers bake in the oven.

The full list of ingredients and exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here are my comments on some of the ingredients.

Tomato paste: You can omit this for a keto version.
To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These spices add wonderful warmth and flavor to the dish.
Bell peppers: It's fun to use different colors.
Riced cauliflower (uncooked): You can rice it yourself in the food processor or buy it pre-riced. You can also use frozen riced cauliflower.
Lean ground beef: I use an 85/15 mix. Leaner than that will work, but won't be as flavorful.
Chopped cilantro: If you don't like cilantro, you can use parsley instead.

Variations

You can add a handful of spinach leaves to the beef mixture. Not too much, though, as they tend to release water.
Instead of cheddar, try using shredded provolone. Crumbled feta is also good.
Use different types of ground meat, such as lamb, chicken, or turkey.
Not a fan of cilantro? Use parsley instead.
Sometimes, I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. I like the smoky flavor it adds to the dish.
Make a low-carb version: omit the tomato paste and use six medium bell peppers instead of four large ones, dividing this recipe into six servings. A serving of this version has around 14 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

You start by mixing the tomato paste with the garlic and spices.

Next, cook the riced cauliflower, onion, and ground beef in olive oil. Stir in the seasoning mixture. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cilantro and cheese.

Place the bell peppers in a baking dish and stuff them with the mixture. Spray them with olive oil and bake them for about 30 minutes at 350°F.

Serve immediately.

Expert Tip

As you can see in the photos, it's OK if the peppers somewhat vary in size. But for the best results, try to pick ones that are about the same size. This will ensure that they are all ready at the same time.

Recipe FAQs

Do you need to blanch the peppers before baking them?

That's unnecessary. I bake the peppers in the oven for 30 minutes, which gives them plenty of time to soften without becoming mushy.

If you feel that your peppers are not tender enough after 30 minutes, add 5-10 more minutes to the baking time. Loosely cover the top with foil to prevent the filling from drying out.

What seasonings to use?

I like to give this dish Mexican-inspired flavors and warmth by using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cilantro.

I also add onion, garlic, and tomato paste. The cheese adds wonderful flavor and creaminess. Be sure to use sharp cheddar cheese - it does make a difference.

Do you have to cook meat before stuffing it into peppers?

Yes. The meat should be cooked before using it to fill the peppers. According to the USDA, ground beef should be fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF.

Why are my peppers bland?

You probably didn't use enough seasonings. Use plenty of onions, garlic, and dried spices such as paprika and cumin for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

You don't really need to serve these peppers with a side dish. They make a complete meal of meat and cheese plus lots of vegetables.

However, if you wish, you can add a simple side, such as sauteed kale, sauteed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. You can roast the vegetables in the same oven as the peppers, slightly increasing the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power or in a 350°F oven. As long as you reheat them properly so that they are heated through, the leftovers taste good. In fact, this is one of those dishes that taste even better the next day.