Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a delightful dish that combines vibrant colors, savory fillings, and a satisfying texture, making them a favorite for many. This recipe offers a burst of flavor with every bite, featuring a blend of spices, meats, and vegetables. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will surely impress your guests!
Ingredients
– 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 stuffed pepper): approximately 350 calories, 25g protein, 45g carbohydrates, 12g fat, and 5g fiber. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
4. Add ground meat to the skillet, cooking until browned.
5. Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes.
6. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
8. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option. Additionally, consider using quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist. Feel free to add various vegetables to the filling for added nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
Stuffed peppers are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or a light soup for a complete meal. A glass of white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Stuffed peppers can also be frozen before baking for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the filling before stuffing the peppers.
– Don’t forget to season the filling well for better flavor.
– Ensure the peppers are not too small to hold the filling.
– Avoid cooking the stuffed peppers without covering them, as they’ll dry out.
– Be cautious with the amount of liquid in the filling to prevent sogginess.
Helpful Tips
– Experiment with different spices for varied flavors.
– Use leftover vegetables in the filling for added nutrients.
– Make a larger batch and freeze for quick meals later.
– Ensure even cooking by selecting similarly sized peppers.
FAQs
Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes, you can use any bell pepper colors or even poblano peppers for a spicier flavor.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers should be tender but not mushy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the meat with beans, lentils, or a vegetable medley.
Conclusion
Stuffed peppers are a versatile and flavorful dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. With a combination of healthy ingredients and a simple cooking process, they make a fantastic meal for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and flavors to create your perfect stuffed pepper!
Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers red, yellow, green
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add ground meat to the skillet, cooking until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
