Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Stuffed peppers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a great way to use up leftovers or customize to your taste. Here’s a classic recipe for stuffed peppers that serves about 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
3. Cook the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Add the ground beef (or your choice of protein) to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Stuff the Peppers:
   • Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, packing it down slightly. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the peppers are tender.
6. Serve:
   • Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve hot!

Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or a mixture of vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
• Spice it Up: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for some heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking from cold.

Enjoy your flavorful stuffed peppers!