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Classic Stuffed Peppers for a Cozy Homemade Dinner Delight Recipe

Classic Stuffed Peppers for a Cozy Homemade Dinner Delight Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Classic Stuffed Peppers recipe featuring bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and savory tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A cozy, comforting homemade dinner perfect for family meals, easily adaptable with alternatives like ground turkey or plant-based proteins.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (drained)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Meat & Protein

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)

Grains

  • 1 cup Cooked Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Dairy

  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)

Pantry Staples & Seasonings

  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or individual herbs like oregano and basil)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside and inside of the peppers with olive oil to prevent drying out during baking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let cook on low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, packing gently. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty homemade stuffed peppers!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a different dietary preference.
  • For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of white or brown rice.
  • If using zucchini as the vegetable base, slice them lengthwise and scoop out some flesh before stuffing.
  • Adjust the seasoning and cheese types according to your taste preferences or dietary requirements.
  • Make ahead by preparing the filling and stuffing the peppers, then refrigerate covered until ready to bake.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, ground beef, baked peppers, comfort food, dinner recipe, easy stuffed peppers, homemade dinner

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/classic-stuffed-peppers-for-a-cozy-homemade-dinner-delight-recipe/