A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice
This recipe for stuffed bell peppers with rice is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It's easy to customize to your liking, and the leftovers are just as delicious!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you like!), halved and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, or vegetarian substitute)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions for extra flavor:
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Tip: Use a small spoon to get into all the nooks and crannies for a truly clean pepper half.
Sauté the Vegetables and Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Combine the Filling Ingredients:
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pro Tip: If using additional vegetables like mushrooms or green peppers, add them now and cook until tender.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has slightly reduced.
Stuff and Bake the Peppers:
- Spoon the rice mixture evenly into the prepared bell pepper halves.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add a little water (about 1/2 cup) to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and keep the peppers moist.
- Optional: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the stuffed peppers before baking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these stuffed peppers hot, as a complete and satisfying meal. They're delicious on their own, but you can also add a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overfill the peppers: Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during baking.
- Check for doneness: The rice should be cooked through and the peppers should be tender. If needed, bake for a few more minutes.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different meats, vegetables, cheeses, and spices to create your own unique stuffed pepper recipe!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Let me know in the comments below how your stuffed bell peppers turn out!