Stuffed peppers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started, along with some variations you might enjoy.
Basic Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- If needed, slice a tiny bit off the bottom so they stand upright.
- Place them in a baking dish and set aside.
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Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
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Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in firmly.
- Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
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Serve:
- Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with a mix of beans, such as black beans or lentils, and add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Mexican Style: Use ground beef, cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Top with cheddar cheese and serve with avocado or sour cream.
- Italian Style: Use ground turkey, cooked quinoa, and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella and fresh basil.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the filling, and use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!
