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Air fryer unstuffed peppers with seasoned ground beef, chopped red yellow and green bell peppers, rice, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese in air fryer basket

Air Fryer Unstuffed Peppers

All the flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss! Ground beef, chopped bell peppers, rice, and cheese cooked together in the air fryer. Ready in 30 minutes!
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Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Air fryer (5-6 quart)
  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Air fryer-safe pan or basket liner (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Unstuffed Peppers:
  • - 1½ pounds ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • - 3 large bell peppers any color chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • - 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • - 3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • - 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • - 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes drained
  • - 2 tablespoons tomato paste optional
  • - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • - ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • - ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • - Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • For Topping:
  • - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • - Fresh parsley or basil optional
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • - 1 cup corn kernels
  • - 1 can 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
  • - ½ cup diced zucchini or mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Cook rice according to package directions if not already prepared. Chop bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Dice onion and mince garlic.
  • Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking up as it cooks. Brown 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.
  • Push beef to sides. Add diced onion to center and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir together.
  • Transfer beef mixture to large bowl. Add chopped peppers, cooked rice, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste if using. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • Transfer pepper mixture to air fryer basket, spreading in even layer. Don't pack too tightly.
  • Cook at 370°F for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until peppers are tender-crisp and slightly charred at edges.
  • Sprinkle cheese evenly over top. Return to air fryer and cook 2-3 minutes more at 370°F until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let rest 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

- Use pre-cooked or leftover rice for speed
- Cut peppers to similar sizes for even cooking
- Stir halfway to ensure even browning
- Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent sogginess
- Work in batches if needed—don't overcrowd basket
- Use cauliflower rice for low-carb version
- Ground turkey or chicken works great too
- Store up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months
- Stovetop option: simmer in covered skillet 15-20 minutes