Description
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
6 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Arrange them upright in a baking dish.
3. Cook Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, slice the tops off 6 bell peppers. Remove all seeds and white membranes. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the peppers upright.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat: Add 1 lb of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Combine the Filling: To the meat mixture, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Stuff and Top: Evenly divide the filling among the prepared bell peppers, packing it gently. Top each pepper generously with the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. They also pair wonderfully with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a nice finishing touch.
How-to Summary
In short, you’ll hollow out bell peppers, cook a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, pack it into the peppers, top with cheese, and bake covered until the peppers are tender and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the stuffed peppers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of rice? Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cooked lentils are excellent low-carb or gluten-free alternatives that absorb the flavors well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
My peppers are still firm. What went wrong? This usually means they needed more time steaming under the foil. Next time, bake covered for 30-35 minutes before uncovering. Softer peppers (like red or yellow) also cook faster than firmer green ones.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers? Absolutely. Bake them completely, let them cool, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the peppers, as the filling can spill and make a mess. Don’t skip draining the fat from the cooked meat, or your filling will be greasy. Ensure your rice is already cooked before adding it to the skillet. Finally, do not forget the initial covered baking step—this is crucial for steaming the peppers until tender.
Conclusion
Stuffed bell peppers are a timeless, nutritious, and highly customizable dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a visually impressive and delicious meal that is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!