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Air fryer beef stuffed peppers with tender roasted red bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley, served as a hearty family friendly dinner.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers Beef – Easy, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers any color, tops sliced off and seeds removed
  • 1 pound 450 g lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown, cooled
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water optional, to loosen filling if dry
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prep the peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. If they wobble, trim a thin slice off the bottom so they stand upright.
  • Brush the outsides lightly with olive oil.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 360°F (182°C). This helps the peppers start cooking right away.
  • Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Build the filling: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Fold in the cooked rice. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  • Taste and adjust: Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • You want a well-seasoned, spoonable filling.
  • Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper, packing it in gently. Leave a little space at the top for cheese.
  • Air fry, round one: Arrange peppers in the air fryer basket so they don’t touch. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften and the filling is hot.
  • Add cheese and finish: Sprinkle mozzarella (and Parmesan, if using) on top.
  • Air fry another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
  • Rest and garnish: Let peppers rest 3 minutes to settle. Garnish with parsley and serve.