Stuffed Bell Peppers

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg

Why Make This Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings color and flavor to your table. They are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. With each bite, you enjoy the soft texture of the pepper combined with a savory filling of seasoned meat, rice, and tomatoes, making it a complete meal in itself. This dish allows for creativity, as you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, stuffed bell peppers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a cozy gathering with friends.

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside in a baking dish.

• Step 2: Sautéing

  In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Step 3: Cooking

  Add the ground meat to the skillet, cooking it until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep your filling light and healthy.

• Step 4: Mixing

  Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.

• Step 5: Stuffing

  Generously stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it down gently. Top each filled pepper with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

• Step 6: Baking

  Place the stuffed peppers upright in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers make for an impressive main dish. Serve them with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor. For a festive touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

How to Store Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or back in the oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap them tightly and they will keep for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Experiment with different fillings! You can add black beans, corn, or even quinoa for a twist.
• Use a variety of colored bell peppers for a stunning presentation.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste. A dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
• For vegetarian stuffed peppers, replace the ground meat with lentils or veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
• Keep an eye on the baking time; overcooked peppers can become mushy.

Delicious Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Replace the ground meat with crumbled feta cheese, olives, and cooked couscous.
• Southwestern Twist: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a zesty flavor.
• Italian-Inspired: Mix in some marinara sauce and Italian sausage for a comforting taste of Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.

• What other types of meat can I use?
  Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well for a flavorful filling.

• Are bell pepper skins edible?
  Yes, the skins of bell peppers are edible and add a nice crunch to the dish!

• Can I cook vegan stuffed peppers?
  Absolutely! Just substitute the meat with a mix of grains, legumes, or vegetables of your choice.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
  Yes, using pre-cooked rice allows for even cooking and better texture in the stuffed peppers.

Conclusion

Stuffed bell peppers are an incredibly versatile and comforting dish that brings nutrition and flavor to your table. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, their colorful presentation and rich taste will surely impress. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to make this recipe your own. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful stuffed bell peppers with your loved ones!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

Vibrant and wholesome stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned meat, rice, and tomatoes, making for a colorful and nutritious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside in a baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Generously stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Experiment with different fillings and adjust spices according to taste. Vegetarian options are available by substituting meat with lentils or veggies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pepper
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg