Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty, wholesome dish featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal, these baked stuffed peppers are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
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
- 1 cup cooked rice
Canned Goods & Condiments
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 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 prepare for stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if necessary so they stand upright. Place the peppers upright in the greased 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 apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and is fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through evenly.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Top each filled pepper with shredded cheese to add a melty, savory finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, bright touch. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- If you prefer softer peppers, you can parboil them for 5 minutes before stuffing.
- Use cooked rice leftover from a previous meal to save time.
- Feel free to mix different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste; adding red pepper flakes can add a nice spicy kick.
