Recipe for Green Peppers Stuffed with Savory Rice and Ground Beef
This recipe for green peppers stuffed with a savory rice and ground beef mixture is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It's also highly adaptable – feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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For the Peppers:
- 6 large green bell peppers, tops removed and seeds cleaned out
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Filling:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cheese (Optional): Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, if using.
Stuffing the Peppers:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill the Peppers: Spoon the rice and beef mixture into the prepared green peppers, filling them almost to the top.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the dish (this helps prevent burning and keeps them moist), and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these stuffed peppers as a complete meal on their own.
- A side of crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious juices.
- A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy element.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots into the filling.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
This recipe is a great starting point; feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking! Enjoy your delicious and satisfying stuffed green peppers. Remember to share your creations and variations with us! Happy cooking!