Easy Stuffed Peppers: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe
This recipe for easy stuffed peppers is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's simple to make, yet delivers a burst of flavor that will impress your family and friends. We'll focus on maximizing flavor while minimizing prep time, making it a truly easy stuffed pepper recipe.
What You'll Need:
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables and seasonings!
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color – red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, or a vegetarian substitute like lentils)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Tip: Use a small spoon to ensure thorough cleaning.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or substitute) with the chopped onion until no longer pink. Tip: Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Tip: Stir well to combine all the flavors. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared pepper halves. Tip: Pack them firmly but don't overfill.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Tip: This also helps create a nice, moist environment for the peppers.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Tip: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or with a side of your favorite salad or bread.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Include chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers of different colors to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad.
- Meal prep friendly: These stuffed peppers can be easily made ahead of time and reheated.
This easy stuffed pepper recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments how your stuffed peppers turned out!
