These oven baked 4-ingredient beef stuffed mini peppers are the kind of easy appetizer that disappears fast, especially at casual family get-togethers. My uncle brought a version of these to a fall gathering, and I loved how something so simple could taste so hearty and satisfying. With sweet mini peppers, seasoned beef, and creamy melted cheese, this recipe is perfect when you need a crowd-pleasing bite without a long grocery list or a lot of prep.
Serve these warm straight from the baking dish with toothpicks or a small spatula for easy grabbing. They pair well with a simple veggie tray, tortilla chips and salsa, a fresh green salad, or other party favorites like meatballs and dips. If you're making them for a game day spread, they also go nicely with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a mild hot sauce on the side.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Beef Stuffed Mini Peppers
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound mini sweet peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a glass casserole dish or baking dish. Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and stir in the softened cream cheese until creamy and well combined. Mix in half of the shredded cheddar.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper half and arrange the filled peppers in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tops.
5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make-ahead tip: Brown the beef and mix the filling up to a day in advance, then store it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, fill the peppers, top with cheese, and pop them in the oven for an easy party appetizer.
Cheese swap: If you want a slightly different flavor, try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend in place of the cheddar. They all melt well and work nicely with the creamy beef filling.
Add seasoning: Even with only four ingredients, you can build in more flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, or black pepper to the beef while it cooks. This is especially helpful if your ground beef is very plain.
Use color for presentation: Red, orange, and yellow mini peppers make the finished dish look extra cheerful on an appetizer table. Try to choose peppers that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Don't overbake: Bake just until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. If they stay in the oven too long, the peppers can get too soft and the filling may become greasy.