Stuffed Peppers: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal

Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and hearty dish made by filling green bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasoned tomato sauce. The peppers are baked until tender, making for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. With the option to top the peppers with shredded cheese near the end of baking, these stuffed peppers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Quick Benefits

• Protein-Packed: The ground beef and rice combination provides a good amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
• Hearty and Filling: The rice and beef filling makes this dish both hearty and filling, ideal for a main course.
• Vegetable Boost: Green bell peppers add a healthy serving of vegetables, rich in vitamin C and fiber.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your taste, adding more vegetables or swapping the beef for a different protein.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare these flavorful stuffed peppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Cold water (1 cup) – To cook the rice.
• Uncooked long-grain white rice (½ cup) – Serves as a base for the stuffing and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) – For browning the ground beef.
• Ground beef (1 pound) – The protein base of the filling.
• Medium green bell peppers (6) – The vegetable vessel for the filling.
• Tomato sauce (16 ounces, divided) – Adds richness and flavor to the filling and for basting.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the umami flavor of the beef.
• Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) – For a savory flavor boost.
• Onion powder (¼ teaspoon) – Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
• Salt and ground black pepper – To taste.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Adds a burst of aromatic flavor to the tomato sauce.

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Rice: In a covered saucepan, bring the cold water and rice to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until evenly browned, about 7 to 9 minutes.
3. Prepare the Peppers: Hollow out the green bell peppers by cutting off the tops, removing the seeds and membranes. If necessary, slice the bottoms slightly to ensure the peppers stand upright.
4. Prepare the Filling: Mix the cooked beef, rice, ½ of the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
5. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bell peppers.
6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Pour this sauce over the stuffed peppers.
7. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, basting with the sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the peppers are tender and fully cooked, remove from the oven and serve hot.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Vitamin C: The green bell peppers provide a substantial amount of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system.
• High in Fiber: With 4g of dietary fiber per serving, stuffed peppers are good for digestive health and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Protein: The ground beef and rice filling offers a solid amount of protein (16g per serving), which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in Calories: At only 248 calories per serving, stuffed peppers are a satisfying meal without being overly heavy.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that adds crunch and freshness.
• Topped with Cheese: Add shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, on top of the peppers 10 minutes before they finish baking for a cheesy, melty finish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: For a heartier meal, serve with warm garlic bread on the side.
• Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Top the peppers with a spoonful of sour cream for added richness and a touch of tang.

Creative Variations

• Swap the Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of stuffed peppers.
• Add More Vegetables: Mix in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach with the rice and beef filling to add extra vegetables to the dish.
• Use Different Rice: Try using brown rice, quinoa, or couscous instead of white rice for a healthier or different texture.
• Spicy Stuffed Peppers: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Stuffed peppers freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.
• Sauce Storage: If you have leftover sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pro Tips

• Even Cooking: Make sure the peppers are standing upright and not tilting over in the baking dish so they cook evenly and the filling stays inside.
• Flavor Boost: Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have extra for meal prepping throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of bell peppers?

Yes! While green bell peppers are traditionally used, you can substitute red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor and more colorful dish.

Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day ahead, refrigerate them, and bake them when you’re ready to serve. This can even improve the flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, to top the stuffed peppers before baking.

How do I make the peppers softer?

If you prefer softer peppers, you can pre-bake the hollowed-out peppers for 15 minutes before filling them. This will help soften them before the final baking.

Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, flavorful meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. With their tender peppers, savory beef and rice filling, and tangy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

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