Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that brings both flavor and nutrition to your dinner table? Our Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a timeless choice! Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, and topped with melted cheese, these bell peppers are baked to perfection for a family-friendly dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
6 bell peppers (any color)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup cooked rice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prepare it for the stuffed peppers.
Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers can stand upright. Place the prepared peppers in the greased baking dish.
Cook the Beef: 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 from the skillet.
Add Vegetables: To the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Mix the Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing them generously. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the stuffed peppers with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your stuffed bell peppers by garnishing them with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Pair with Sides: Serve your stuffed peppers with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a warm, crusty bread to create a well-rounded meal.
Cut and Serve: For easier serving, cut the stuffed peppers in half or quarters, especially if serving to children or for a potluck.
Accompanying Sauces: Offer a side of marinara sauce or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and a bit of variety.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat frozen stuffed peppers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from the refrigerator, a 15-minute bake at 375°F (190°C) should suffice.
Avoid Overcooking: To maintain the best texture, avoid overcooking the peppers during reheating. They should be tender but not mushy.
Separating Components: For best results, store the peppers and any additional sauce or cheese separately if possible. This helps maintain the quality of each component.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.
How can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Assemble the peppers and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When ready to cook, simply bake them according to the recipe instructions. You can also freeze the stuffed peppers before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I customize the filling for these peppers?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or zucchini. You can also mix in other seasonings or use different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can test the tenderness by poking a fork into the pepper; it should go in easily. If you’re unsure, you can use a food thermometer to check that the filling has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
These Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect blend of simplicity and taste. With their tender peppers and flavorful beef-rice filling topped with gooey cheese, they’re a guaranteed hit for any family dinner. Enjoy a classic comfort food that’s both nutritious and indulgent, all in one delicious dish!
📖 Recipe:
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Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and satisfying family dinner option. These bell peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, then topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. This comforting recipe is easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and great for meal prepping or freezing. Enjoy the perfect balance of tender peppers and cheesy, flavorful filling in every bite!
Ingredients
6 bell peppers (any color)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if needed so they stand upright. Place the peppers in the prepared baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the bell peppers. Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a different flavor, try adding chopped mushrooms, corn, or other vegetables to the filling.
Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
If using a different type of cheese, adjust the baking time as needed to ensure it melts properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
