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Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers Without Rice Easy Keto-Friendly Recipe

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A keto-friendly stuffed bell pepper recipe that uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, delivering a low-carb, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place the hollowed peppers upright in the baking dish.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in cauliflower rice, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 4-5 minutes until mixture thickens slightly and cauliflower softens.
  6. Spoon the filling evenly into each bell pepper, packing full but not overflowing. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the cauliflower rice to avoid mushy filling. Choose bell peppers of similar size for even cooking. Drain canned tomatoes well to prevent sogginess. Brown the beef well for rich flavor. Let peppers rest a few minutes after baking to set filling. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Variations include using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat, adding mushrooms, or swapping cheeses.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, keto, low-carb, healthy, cauliflower rice, ground beef, easy dinner, gluten-free