Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and versatile dish where bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, meat, and spices, then baked until tender. You can customize the filling with ground beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Here’s a classic recipe to make stuffed peppers:
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even quinoa)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If the peppers won’t stand up straight, you can trim a small slice from the bottom to level them out.
- Blanch the peppers by boiling them for 3-4 minutes in a pot of water, or until they start to soften. Drain and set aside to cool.
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Make the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
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Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly. If you have leftover filling, you can place it around the peppers in the baking dish.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
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Top with Tomato Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
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Bake the Stuffed Peppers:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- Vegetarian Version: To make vegetarian stuffed peppers, replace the ground meat with cooked quinoa, rice, or beans (like black beans or lentils). Add some veggies like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Add Spices: Feel free to spice up the filling with chili flakes, cumin, or paprika if you like it a bit more bold.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and customizable meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender peppers, savory filling, and melted cheese is always a winner! Enjoy!