Irresistible Stuffed Peppers: A Flavorful Delight

Sinking your teeth into a warm stuffed pepper, you can feel the vibrant flavors burst in your mouth. The colorful peppers cradle a delicious filling that melds together perfectly, creating a delightful harmony of taste and texture.

Imagine walking into your kitchen, the aroma of spices wafting through the air as you prepare this dish for family or friends. Stuffed peppers are not just food; they’re an experience filled with anticipation and joy.

I remember the first time I made stuffed peppers; my friends thought I was some culinary wizard when they saw those beautiful, colorful creations come out of the oven.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful bell peppers for the best visual appeal and flavor; red, yellow, and green all work beautifully.

• Ground Meat: Ground beef or turkey both make excellent choices; opt for lean meat to keep it healthy.

• Cooked Rice: Use leftover rice for convenience or prepare fresh; brown rice adds a nutty flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring moisture and acidity to balance the richness of the filling.

• Onion and Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic will elevate the flavor profile; sauté until fragrant for maximum impact.

• Cheese: Shredded cheese adds richness; mozzarella or cheddar works wonderfully melted over the top.

• Spices: A blend of Italian herbs like oregano and basil enhances flavor depth without overpowering.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all other flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal.

Prep Your Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds. Set aside while preparing your filling.

Sauté Your Aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.

Mix Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ground meat, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, spices, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.

Stuff Those Peppers!: Spoon generous amounts of filling into each bell pepper until they overflow slightly. Place them upright in a baking dish; this is where they’ll get cozy during baking!

Add Cheese Heaven!: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each stuffed pepper. Prepare for melty goodness that will leave everyone drooling.

Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Enjoy serving these eye-catching stuffed peppers that not only taste amazing but also look like they belong on Instagram!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Hollow out the peppers while sautéing your filling ingredients to maximize flavor and efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

The first time I made stuffed peppers, my friends devoured them in minutes! Their enthusiasm inspired me to keep experimenting with different fillings and flavors over the years.

FAQ

What types of peppers work best for stuffing?

Bell peppers are popular, but poblano or Anaheim peppers add unique flavors.

Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them a day before baking and store in the fridge until ready.

How do I prevent soggy stuffed peppers?

Pre-cook your filling and avoid excess moisture from ingredients like tomatoes or sauces.

Print

Stuffed Peppers

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Warm, vibrant stuffed peppers are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make for an unforgettable meal. Filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, these colorful peppers not only please the palate but also bring a festive touch to your dining table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, they’re easy to customize based on your pantry staples. Get ready to impress family and friends with this hearty dish that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably brown)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. In a pan over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, ground meat, diced tomatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper generously with the filling and place in a baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For vegetarian options, swap ground meat for quinoa or lentils. Customize by adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor.