Delicious Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cream Cheese & Ground Beef – Easy Low-Carb Recipe!

Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile and satisfying dish, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal. This keto-friendly version combines the classic flavors of ground beef and cheese with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all nestled within tender bell peppers. Whether you're following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You'll Love This Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

This keto stuffed bell peppers recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional dish. It's easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and melted cheese creates a truly irresistible meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables!

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking by using different types of meat, cheese, or vegetables. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a milder flavor, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers are the most keto-friendly option due to their lower carb content, but you can also use yellow, orange, or red bell peppers.
Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the filling. You can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage if desired.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy and rich texture to the filling, helping to bind the ingredients together.
Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese for topping the peppers. Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses all work well.
Onion and Garlic: Adds flavor and aroma to the filling.
Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and acidity to the filling.
Jalapeño: Adds a touch of spice (optional).
Tomato Paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and helps to thicken the filling.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the filling.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, adding bulk to the filling. Fresh cauliflower rice is recommended over frozen.
Taco Seasoning: Adds a zesty and savory flavor to the filling (optional).
Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic Italian flavor to the filling (optional).
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make these delicious keto stuffed bell peppers:

Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash the bell peppers and slice them in half lengthwise from stem to end. Remove the seeds and membranes.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions, garlic, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Make the Filling: Add the diced tomatoes, jalapeño (if using), tomato paste, cream cheese, and beef broth to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Add Cauliflower Rice and Cheese: Stir in the cauliflower rice and half of the shredded cheese.
Stuff the Peppers: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the bell pepper halves on a parchment-lined baking tray or dish. Fill each pepper half with the ground beef mixture.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.

Tips and Variations

Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Make it Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as black beans, corn, or quinoa.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat.
Make it a Casserole: For a quicker and easier option, you can turn this recipe into a casserole. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a large baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

These keto stuffed bell peppers are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad or a low-carb vegetable dish. Here are some ideas:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and healthy side dish.
Cauliflower Rice: Serve the stuffed peppers over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all great low-carb options.
Avocado: A few slices of avocado add healthy fats and a creamy texture to the meal.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Top the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and flavor.

How to Avoid Soggy Stuffed Peppers

To prevent your stuffed peppers from becoming soggy, follow these tips:

Don't Overbake: Overbaking can cause the peppers to become mushy. Bake them just until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.
Drain Excess Liquid: Drain any excess liquid from the ground beef before adding it to the filling.
Use Fresh Cauliflower Rice: Frozen cauliflower rice tends to be more watery than fresh cauliflower rice.
Par-Cook the Peppers (Optional): If you prefer softer peppers, you can par-cook them before stuffing them. Simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes or microwave them for a few minutes.

Can You Freeze Stuffed Peppers?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers. Assemble and cook the stuffed peppers as instructed. Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen stuffed peppers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating bell peppers can make the skins softer, so it is recommended to reheat in the oven and avoid microwaving.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for these keto stuffed bell peppers will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. However, here is an estimate per serving:

Calories: 300-400
Net Carbs: 5-10 grams
Protein: 20-30 grams
Fat: 20-30 grams

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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