These oven baked 3-ingredient beef stuffed peppers are the kind of easy party food that disappears fast, and they are just as handy for busy weeknights as they are for summer gatherings. Using mini bell peppers, seasoned beef, and melty pepper jack cheese keeps the ingredient list wonderfully short while still giving you a big, savory bite with a little sweetness from the peppers and plenty of comfort-food flavor.
Serve these warm as an appetizer with tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or fresh fruit for a casual meal spread. They also pair nicely with rice, roasted potatoes, or a bowl of black beans if you want to turn them into a heartier supper, and a spoonful of sour cream or salsa on the side is always welcome.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Beef Stuffed Peppers
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 mini bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or baking pan with foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbled, then drain off any excess grease.
3. Arrange the halved mini bell peppers cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet so they are ready to fill.
4. Spoon the cooked beef into each pepper half, packing it in gently so each one gets a hearty filling.
5. Top each filled pepper with shredded pepper jack cheese.
6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Milder version: If you are feeding kids or anyone who prefers less heat, swap the pepper jack for mozzarella or mild cheddar. You will still get that bubbly cheese topping with a gentler flavor.
Make-ahead tip: Brown the beef and prep the peppers earlier in the day, then stuff and top them right before baking. That makes these especially handy when you are getting ready for company.
Heartier variation: For a bigger meal, serve the stuffed peppers over rice or tuck them alongside roasted potatoes. It stretches the tray nicely and makes supper feel extra complete.
Easy cleanup tip: Foil is helpful here because a little cheese may melt onto the pan. A light coating of cooking spray on the foil also helps the peppers lift away more easily after baking.