Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Comfort Food Classic
Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and nostalgic dish that's sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this old-fashioned stuffed bell pepper recipe. This recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal. It's packed with flavor, easy to customize, and surprisingly simple to make. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You'll likely already have many of them in your pantry!
- 6 large bell peppers (assorted colors are visually appealing!) Choose firm, brightly colored peppers for best results.
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile) The choice of meat is entirely up to you!
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a lovely salty and savory touch.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Stuffed Pepper Perfection
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, perfect for even beginner cooks.
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Tip: Use a small spoon to easily scoop out the seeds.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
- Fill each pepper half with the meat and rice mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce from the skillet over the peppers.
- Add the water to the bottom of the baking dish. This helps prevent the peppers from burning and keeps them moist.
- Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. These are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Tips and Variations for Your Stuffed Pepper Creation:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots into the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese please!: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
This old-fashioned stuffed bell pepper recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the warm, flavorful taste of this timeless classic! Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – they'll thank you for it!
