Stuffed Peppers are a classic and delicious dish, where bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned meat, rice, vegetables, and sometimes cheese, then baked until tender.
It’s a great way to turn basic ingredients into a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
You can easily customize the filling to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile option for any dinner table.
Ingredients:
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup tomato sauce (for baking)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
Prepare the peppers:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set them aside.
Cook the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Combine ingredients:
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything well, then remove from heat.
Stuff the peppers:
Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
Pour tomato sauce over the peppers.
Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Add cheese:
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Description:
Stuffed peppers are a comfort food staple.
They’re not only hearty but also a great way to use up leftover rice or vegetables.
The combination of meat, rice, and spices creates a filling meal, and the melting cheese on top is the perfect finishing touch.
The peppers themselves add a mild sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory filling.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, meal prepping, or serving guests.
Tips:
Choose the right peppers: Larger bell peppers work best, but you can also use smaller peppers for appetizers or to make mini portions.
Use lean meat:
Ground turkey or chicken are healthier alternatives to ground beef.
Make it vegetarian:
Replace the meat with beans, lentils, or a mix of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
Extra flavor:
Add some spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder for an extra kick.
Make ahead:
Stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly:
You can freeze stuffed peppers before baking, then just bake them straight from the freezer when ready.
Variations:
Mexican-style:
Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with salsa and cilantro before serving.
Italian-style:
Use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce and add Italian sausage along with extra basil and oregano.
Low-carb/Keto: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Cheesy stuffed peppers:
Mix cream cheese or ricotta into the filling for a creamy texture.
Corrections:
If using lean ground meat, you may need to add a bit of olive oil or broth to ensure the filling stays moist.
When baking, make sure to cover the peppers with foil for the first portion of cooking to keep them from drying out.
Enjoy!
Now that you’ve prepared your stuffed peppers, sit back and enjoy this flavorful and hearty dish with your family or guests. Perfect for a cozy dinner, and so versatile that you can make it your own with different fillings and toppings!