Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
This stuffed bell pepper recipe is a flavorful and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to customize to your liking and is packed with nutritious vegetables and protein. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you prefer!), halved and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or vegetarian substitute)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown rice is a great healthy option!)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the cut sides of the bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Meat (Optional): If using ground meat, add it to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Combine the Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, cooked rice, corn, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared bell pepper halves.
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Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly.
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Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the filling during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra cheesiness!
- Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These stuffed peppers are great for meal prepping! Prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Keywords: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Bell Pepper Recipe, Stuffed Peppers Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Easy Dinner Recipe, Meal Prep, Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
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