Stuffed Vegetable Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Dinners

Stuffed vegetables filled with seasoned ground beef offer a delicious and wholesome meal that combines vibrant colors, fresh produce, and hearty protein into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re craving bell peppers bursting with savory goodness or zucchini boats brimming with flavorful beef, these recipes bring comfort and nutrition to your table.

This classic dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The best part?

You can customize the stuffing to suit your taste buds or dietary needs, making it as simple or as fancy as you like.

In this post, you’ll find several mouthwatering stuffed vegetable ground beef recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to impress. From Mediterranean-inspired flavors to spicy Tex-Mex twists, there’s something here for everyone.

Plus, we’ll share tips on choosing the right vegetables, seasoning the beef perfectly, and serving ideas that elevate this humble dish into a feast. Ready to get cooking?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed vegetable ground beef recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins all in one dish. They’re incredibly versatile and adaptable, allowing you to swap vegetables or spices to fit your preferences or what’s in season.

These recipes are also budget-friendly, making use of affordable ingredients like ground beef and common vegetables. The filling is hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, while the vegetables add freshness and texture.

Moreover, stuffed vegetables are visually appealing — colorful and inviting — which makes them great for entertaining or simply brightening up your dinner table. If you love recipes that combine health, flavor, and ease, stuffed vegetables filled with ground beef are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops cut off and seeds removed
• 2 medium zucchinis, halved and scooped out
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish or casserole pan
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Spoon for scooping and filling
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Halve the zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell for stuffing. Set aside the scooped zucchini flesh.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, around 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
5. Add spices and vegetables: Stir in the dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then add the diced tomatoes and the reserved zucchini flesh (chopped finely). Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
6. Mix in the rice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Stuff the vegetables: Carefully spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper and zucchini half, filling them generously but without overstuffing.
8. Arrange in baking dish: Place the stuffed vegetables upright in a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed vegetable, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To save time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from another meal. You can also prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it, then stuff and bake when ready.

Variation: Switch up the vegetables by using large tomatoes, eggplants, or even portobello mushroom caps as your stuffing vessels. Consider adding chopped mushrooms or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.

Spice it up: For a Tex-Mex twist, add a teaspoon of chili powder and some chopped jalapeños to the filling. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.

Cheese alternatives: Try feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor or a vegan cheese substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stuffed vegetables with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Roasted potatoes or a side of garlic bread also complement the meal beautifully.

For a lighter option, pair with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. If you want to add a bit of sauce, a drizzle of marinara or tzatziki works wonderfully to enhance the flavors.

Don’t forget to check out our other hearty and fresh recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more inspiration.

More Stuffed Vegetable Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplants with Ground Beef

This recipe features tender eggplants hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and fragrant Mediterranean spices. Topped with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh mint, it’s a flavorful and satisfying twist.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, halved and scooped out
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare eggplants by scooping out flesh to create boats.
3. Sauté onions and garlic, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add diced tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
5. Fill eggplant halves with the beef mixture, place in baking dish.
6. Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncover and sprinkle with feta cheese.
7. Bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
8. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

Tex-Mex Stuffed Bell Peppers

Spiced with chili powder and cumin, these bell peppers are filled with a lively beef mixture, black beans, corn, and rice. Topped with melted cheddar and served with fresh salsa, this dish brings a fiesta to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare bell peppers by cutting tops and removing seeds.
3. Sauté onion and garlic, add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, black beans, corn, and rice; mix well.
5. Stuff peppers with mixture and place in baking dish.
6. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, uncover and top with cheddar cheese.
7. Bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with fresh salsa and sour cream.

Italian Style Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef

Filled with a rich tomato and herb-infused ground beef mixture and topped with mozzarella, these zucchini boats are perfect for a low-carb, flavorful dinner. Garnish with fresh basil for an authentic touch.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, halved and scooped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic, add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
4. Spoon filling into zucchini halves and place in baking dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered 10 minutes more.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

For more creative and healthy meal ideas, check out our recipe collections such as Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Conclusion

Stuffed vegetable ground beef recipes offer a wonderful combination of hearty protein and fresh vegetables that make for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether you choose bell peppers, zucchinis, or eggplants as your vessel, the possibilities for flavor combinations are endless.

These dishes are perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a colorful and flavorful presentation.

By experimenting with different seasonings and cheeses, you can adapt each recipe to your preferences or dietary needs. Plus, these recipes are a great way to sneak extra veggies into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Give these stuffed vegetable recipes a try and enjoy the comfort and delight they bring to your table. Don’t forget to explore more inspiring recipes on our site to keep your meals exciting and delicious every day!

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