Looking for a delicious and versatile dish to serve at your next gathering? These stuffed peppers are a crowd-pleaser that are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Stuffed peppers are a great way to sneak in extra veggies and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the dish. Can be substituted with vegetable oil.
- Yellow onion and garlic: Provide aromatic flavor to the filling.
- Tomato paste: Adds a rich tomato flavor to the dish.
- Ground beef: Adds protein and a hearty texture to the filling.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Adds bulk and texture to the filling.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a burst of tomato flavor.
- Dried oregano, salt, and pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Bell peppers: Serve as the edible vessel for the filling.
- Monterey jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the peppers.
- Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- Add the tomato paste, ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
- Fill the hollowed-out peppers with the beef mixture and top with cheese.
- Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure to choose peppers that can stand upright to hold the filling.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or quinoa.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a visually appealing presentation.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the filling mixture.
- For a cheesy twist, mix in some cream cheese or feta with the Monterey jack.
Serving Suggestions:
These stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe. - Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal. - Can I use different types of cheese?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique flavor. - Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the peppers ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
These stuffed peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out. Enjoy!
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Stuffed Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These delicious stuffed peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Saute Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, saute onion and garlic until softened.
- Add Beef and Rice: Add ground beef, cooked rice, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven until peppers are tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper, and bake until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg