Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for any occasion. They’re filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and seasonings, then baked until tender. This recipe will guide you through making classic stuffed bell peppers from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Peppers

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut and clean peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If the peppers don’t stand upright, you can trim a small slice off the bottom to level them. Set the peppers aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Combine ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley if using.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the peppers: Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in firmly.
2. Add tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed peppers.

Step 4: Bake the Peppers

1. Arrange in baking dish: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they don’t stand upright, you can use balled-up aluminum foil to help them stay in place.
2. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the peppers are tender.
3. Add cheese topping: If desired, remove the foil, sprinkle the tops of the peppers with the additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool slightly: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Variety of meats: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Pre-cook the peppers: For softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing and baking.
• Customize the filling: Add other ingredients like corn, black beans, or diced zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This classic stuffed bell pepper recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its savory filling and tender bell peppers, it’s a perfect dish for any night of the week. Enjoy making and eating these delicious stuffed bell peppers!