Flavorful Classic Stuffed Peppers: A Simple & Satisfying Meal! 🌶️🥄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for an easy and delicious meal that everyone will love, look no further than stuffed peppers. This classic stuffed peppers recipe combines vibrant bell peppers filled with savory ingredients, baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this dish offers a healthy, colorful, and hearty option that can be customized to suit your taste buds. Discover how simple it is to create this flavorful dish with our step-by-step guide below!
2. Ingredients for the best stuffed peppers recipe
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (for a healthier option, try our healthy easy broccoli pasta as a vegetarian alternative)
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
3. How to prepare classic stuffed peppers step-by-step
Prepare the peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and gently remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
Cook the filling
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey, cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble the stuffed peppers
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and meat mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed. Stuff each pepper with the mixture, pressing down gently. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake to perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Storage tips for leftovers
Let the stuffed peppers cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and enjoy the flavors again!
5. Serving suggestions and flavor enhancements
Serve these classic stuffed peppers with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For added zest, top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Looking to diversify your meal options? Check out our perfect Parmesan chicken pesto pasta for a delightful pairing!
6. Helpful tips for making perfect stuffed peppers
- Use colorful bell peppers for a more vibrant presentation.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables.
- For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder.
- Ensure the peppers are tender by baking them long enough or parboiling before stuffing.
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about stuffed peppers
Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the peppers a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready. This makes mealtime even quicker and more convenient.
What are good substitutions for ground beef or turkey?
Try using plant-based proteins, chopped mushrooms, or lentils for a vegetarian approach. You can also swap in shredded chicken or sausage for a different flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare stuffed peppers?
The entire process, from prepping to baking, typically takes about 50-60 minutes, making it a manageable weeknight dinner choice.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – This high-quality cookware set makes cooking the filling and preparing the peppers effortless with nonstick ease.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for chopping vegetables quickly and uniformly, saving you time in meal prep.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – A fun gadget to create refreshing drinks to pair with your stuffed peppers.
9. Conclusion
Discover the joy of making classic stuffed peppers that are both tasty and wholesome. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this stuffed peppers recipe is a versatile meal that lends itself well to customization. Whether feeding a family or indulging in a comforting solo dinner, these stuffed peppers will become a go-to favorite. Feel free to experiment with fillings and toppings to suit your preferences and make this dish uniquely yours. Start cooking today and enjoy a satisfying, colorful, and healthy meal that everyone will rave about!
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Flavorful Classic Stuffed Peppers: A Simple & Satisfying Meal!
Flavorful Classic Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and colorful meal, perfect for weeknights or weekends. This easy-to-make dish features bell peppers filled with savory ground meat, rice or quinoa, and melted cheese, baked to perfection for a satisfying experience. Customize with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a wholesome, vibrant meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush with olive oil and place in a baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground meat, cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice and meat mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed. Stuff each pepper with the mixture and press gently. Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use colorful bell peppers for vibrant presentation.
- For vegetarian options, substitute meat with black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables.
- Add smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder for a smoky flavor.
- Bake peppers until tender, or parboil before stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Flexible (can be vegetarian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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