Print

Classic Stuffed Peppers for a Cozy Homemade Dinner Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

Classic Stuffed Peppers featuring a savory ground beef and rice filling baked to perfection with melted cheese topping, making for a cozy and satisfying homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
  • 1 cup Cooked Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or individual herbs like oregano and basil)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

For the Topping

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

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
  2. Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Rinse the peppers and drain well, ensuring they are clean and hollowed out.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure an even texture.
  5. Mix Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  6. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice filling evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, packing them well but not overflowing.
  7. Arrange and Add Water: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour about 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the dish to help keep the peppers moist during baking.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through.
  9. Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top of each stuffed pepper, and continue baking uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a hearty and comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein for a different variation.
  • For a lower-carb option, try using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the filling.
  • Make sure to pour water into the baking dish to keep the peppers moist during the baking process.
  • Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: stuffed peppers, baked peppers, ground beef recipe, cozy dinner, easy dinner, cheesy stuffed peppers

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