Stuffed Peppers: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, loved for their vibrant colors, hearty filling, and satisfying flavors. This recipe provides a delicious and customizable base, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 6 stuffed peppers. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 6 large bell peppers: Choose a mix of colors (red, orange, yellow, green) for visual appeal and varied sweetness.
- 1 lb ground meat: Ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative (like lentils or mushrooms) all work well.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked rice: Long-grain white rice is a popular choice, but brown rice also works well.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and acidity to the filling.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor and creates a richer sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional): Adds a creamy, cheesy topping. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work well.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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. Lightly oil a baking dish.
2. Make the Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed some of the liquid.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper half generously with the meat and rice mixture. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake: 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 heated through. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the peppers during the last 5 minutes of baking.
6. Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms into the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Enjoy Your Delicious Stuffed Peppers!
This versatile recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique stuffed pepper masterpiece. Let us know in the comments what variations you try!
