Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
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Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Discover the timeless comfort of Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with this simple and delicious recipe. A perfect dish for family dinners or weeknight meals, these bell peppers are stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, and tomatoes. Baked to perfection with a flavorful tomato sauce, each bite offers the right balance of hearty filling and tender, juicy bell pepper. This Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is sure to remind you of the warmth of home cooked meals and provide a satisfying experience for everyone at the table.
Description
Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe isan iconic dish in many households. These vibrant peppers, stuffed with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, onions, garlic, and topped with a savory tomato sauce, are a comfort food staple that has stood the test of time. The beauty of this Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. You can customize the stuffing to suit your tastes, whether by using different meats, vegetables, or grains. However, this classic recipe sticks to the basics for a truly nostalgic meal.
The dish begins by preparing the bell peppers. These peppers are hollowed out and their tops removed, leaving a bowl like shape perfect for stuffing. The stuffing is made by cooking ground beef with onions and garlic until browned, then adding in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, herbs, and spices for extra flavor. This mixture is then packed into each pepper, and the peppers are placed into a baking dish. Once filled, the peppers are topped with tomato sauce and baked until tender.
The result is a beautiful medley of flavors: the sweetness of the bell peppers combined with the savory, meaty filling, and a rich tomato sauce to tie everything together. The peppers are cooked to just the right level of softness while maintaining their structure, so each bite offers a burst of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers are always a hit.
Not only are stuffed bell peppers delicious, but they also offer a balanced meal with vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates all in one dish. You can pair them with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition. With its easy prep and cook time, this Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe makes for a hassle free and hearty meal option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup water (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the vegetables: To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Combine the stuffing mixture: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each hollowed out bell pepper, pressing gently to pack the stuffing tightly.
- Arrange for baking: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the dish to help the peppers steam while baking.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
- Serve: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with extra tomato sauce or a side of salad for a complete meal.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers any color
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 cup cooked rice white, brown, or wild rice
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese optional, for topping
- 1/2 cup water for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the vegetables: To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Combine the stuffing mixture: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each hollowed out bell pepper, pressing gently to pack the stuffing tightly.
- Arrange for baking: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the dish to help the peppers steam while baking.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
- Serve: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Enjoy: Serve hot with extra tomato sauce or a side of salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or quinoa for a healthier or plant based alternative.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, for more texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure that your rice is gluten-free, and skip any optional breading or flour based toppings.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until warmed through.