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Classic Stuffed Peppers for a Cozy Homemade Dinner Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

Classic Stuffed Peppers are a comforting homemade dinner perfect for cozy evenings. This flavorful dish features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. Easily customizable with different proteins or vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (drained)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Meat & Proteins

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)

Grains

  • 1 cup Cooked Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Dairy

  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)

Pantry & Seasonings

  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or individual herbs like oregano and basil)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
  2. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds. Rinse the peppers under cold water and drain them well to ensure they’re clean and ready to stuff.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly, breaking the meat apart until it is browned and no longer pink.
  5. Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
  6. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, filling them generously but without overpacking.
  7. Arrange and Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour about 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the dish to keep the peppers moist during baking.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to cook the peppers through and meld the flavors.
  9. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the peppers, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  10. Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for different dietary preferences.
  • Use brown rice or cauliflower rice in place of white rice to adjust for health or calorie preferences.
  • For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling mixture.
  • Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based protein and omit the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.

Keywords: stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, stuffed bell peppers

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/classic-stuffed-peppers-for-a-cozy-homemade-dinner-delight-recipe/