Stuffed bell peppers are a savory dish made with bell peppers that have been stuffed with a mixture of ingredients such as ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices, and baked in the oven until tender and flavorful.
To make stuffed bell peppers, bell peppers are first hollowed out by removing the stem, seeds, and membrane from the inside. A filling made with cooked rice, ground meat, onions, garlic, and other ingredients is then mixed together and packed inside the peppers. The stuffed peppers are then placed in a baking dish, covered with tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, and baked in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Stuffed bell peppers can be made with a variety of ingredients and spices, making them a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. They can be made with ground beef, turkey, or pork, and can include other vegetables such as diced tomatoes, corn, or spinach. The filling can also be flavored with herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, or oregano, to add depth of flavor.
Stuffed bell peppers are often served as a main course and can be accompanied by a salad or crusty bread. They are a hearty and satisfying dish that is popular in many cuisines around the world, including Mediterranean, Latin American, and Southern American cuisine.
SERVINGS: 4
PREPARATION TIME: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese on top of each pepper. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- Serve the stuffed peppers with a green salad or crusty bread.
- To make the dish vegetarian, use crumbled tofu or cooked black beans instead of the meat.
- To add extra flavor, top the stuffed peppers with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
