Welcome to a comforting classic that never fails to pleaseโstuffed peppers! This recipe offers a delightful mixture of savory and rich flavors encased in a vibrant bell pepper, making it just perfect for a cozy family dinner. Plus, itโs versatile enough to personalize with your favorite add-ins!
Ingredients
- Bell peppers โ 6, medium-sized
- Cooked rice โ 270 g (1 and 1/2 cups)
- Olive oil โ 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
- Onion โ 1 small or 1/2 large, diced
- Garlic โ 3 cloves, minced (or to taste)
- Ground beef โ 560 g (1 and 1/4 pounds)
- Diced tomatoes โ 410 g (14.5 ounces)
- Tomato sauce โ 240 ml (8 ounces)
- Italian seasoning โ 1 tablespoon
- Salt โ 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste
- Black pepper โ 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese โ 240 g (2 cups)
- Fresh parsley โ 1/4 cup, chopped
- Optional: Raisins and slivered almonds โ to taste
Steps to Make Hearty Stuffed Peppers
- Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 175ยฐC (350ยฐF). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set them upright in a large baking dish. - Cook the Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. - Add the Garlic
Stir in your minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, making sure it doesnโt burn. Optional: add a little more oil if necessary. - Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and brown it thoroughly. Stir constantly as it combines with the cooked onions and garlic. - Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it cook just until warmed through. - Incorporate Rice and Cheese
Gently fold in the cooked rice and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add black pepper and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed. - Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the hearty mixture into the prepared peppers, packing it down gently. Top each with remaining mozzarella cheese. - Bake the Peppers
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melty and golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
These delightful stuffed peppers are not only comforting but also bring a vibrant pop of color to your dining table. Try them out and enjoy a dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat!
