Make Delicious Stuffed Peppers At Home In Just 5 Quick Steps
Stuffed peppers are a delightful and versatile dish consisting of bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ingredients. The peppers are hollowed out and then packed with a flavorful filling, which commonly includes a blend of ground meat (such as beef or turkey), cooked rice, vegetables, and spices. The filling is often seasoned with herbs like oregano and basil, and may be topped with shredded cheese for added richness. Once stuffed, the peppers are baked until tender, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
Stuffed peppers are a versatile and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here's a classic recipe for stuffed peppers that's both easy to make and delicious:
1. Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
2. Instructions
Step 1- Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers stand upright.
Step 2- Cook the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 3- Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the filling into each prepared bell pepper, packing it in firmly.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they are not standing upright, you can use crumpled foil or a small amount of rice at the bottom of the dish to stabilize them.
Step 4- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred on top.
Step 5- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
This stuffed peppers recipe is perfect for a hearty meal and can be customized to fit your flavor preferences and dietary needs.