Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers combine vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings, topped with melted cheese. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Grains and Canned Goods
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
Oils, Spices, and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleaning.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if necessary so that the peppers stand upright. Arrange the peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Generously top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften and the filling to cook thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed peppers before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Bell peppers of any color can be used; mix colors for a vibrant presentation.
- For a milder flavor, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save preparation time.
- Drain as much fat as possible from the cooked ground beef to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Covering the dish with foil during baking helps peppers steam and become tender without drying out the filling.
