Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
A delicious blend of tender bell peppers filled with a rich and cheesy beef filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef Savory and succulent, this is the base of your filling.
- 1 medium onion, diced Sweet and aromatic, a great flavor enhancer.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice and depth.
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder Infuses a smoky undertone.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Earthy and warm, complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic Pungent and aromatic; a must for flavor.
- 10 oz Rotel tomatoes with chilies Enhances the stuffing’s richness.
- 8 oz tomato sauce Provides a smooth and creamy texture.
- 1.5 cups beef broth Ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked Acts as a hearty filler.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melts into a creamy, cheesy goodness.
For the Peppers
- 6 bell peppers (any color) Colorful vessels for your filling.
- to taste fresh chopped cilantro For garnish and added freshness.
- to taste sour cream (optional) Provides a cooling contrast.
- to taste hot sauce (optional) For those who love to turn up the heat!
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, start by browning the ground beef with the diced onion until cooked through.
- Add salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro to the beef mixture.
- Drain off any excess grease once the beef and onions are softened.
- Stir in the Rotel, tomato sauce, minced garlic, beef broth, and uncooked rice.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Assembly
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds and membranes.
- Scoop the cheesy rice mixture generously into each bell pepper.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees for around 10 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper and air fry for 1 more minute until melted.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream and hot sauce.
Notes
Tips include prepping ingredients ahead of time, choosing colorful peppers for appeal, avoiding overstuffing to ensure even cooking, and adjusting cooking times to your air fryer settings. Experimenting with different meats or vegetables can provide variations.