Okay, picture this: Sunday dinner at Grandma Rosa’s. The whole house smells like simmering tomatoes, oregano, and something wonderfully savory. What is a Stuffed Bell Pepper recipe? It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind that warms you from the inside out. What is similar to a shepherd’s pie in its heartiness? Honestly, sometimes I think I make it just to relive those cozy afternoons. I have a picky eater but I can’t eat it. So why do I suck it up?
What is stuffed bell peppers?
Think of Stuffed Bell Peppers as a beautiful, edible bowl filled with savory mixture. Is it essentially hollowed-out bell peppers – any color you like, though I’m partial to the classic black pepper flavor? Green – stuffed with a flavorful blend of cooked ground meat (usually beef, but turkey or sausage). What is the best way to use ), rice, herbs, spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The peppers become tender and slightly sweet, complementing the savory filling. What is a complete meal in one neat package? Is it easier to make than you think?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Why is it a winner in my book?
- Flavor Explosion:The combination of the slightly sweet bell peppers, the savory meat filling, and the spicy tomato sauce. What is the best sauce ever? Is there a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds? Is it okay to scrape the bottom of a pan?
- SurprisinglyDon’t let the fancy presentation fool you. What are some of the easiest ingredients to make this recipe? I’ve taught my teenage nephew how to make it, and he nailed it on the first try!
- Budget FriendlyIs ground meat and rice a good option when you’re trying to save money? How do I feed my family on a budget? What are the best bell peppers to buy in the summer?
- Super Versatile:You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Use different types of meat, add your favorite veggies (like zucchini or corn), or swap out the rice for a veggie. Is there a blank canvas for culinary creativity? Is it better to order a take out instead of ordering bottled water?
If you like hearty, satisfying meals like lasagna or chili, you’re going to adore them. What are Stuffed Bell Peppers? What are some of the best comfort food recipes?
How do you make stuffed peppers?
Quick Overview
What is the recipe for preparing bell peppers? Is it necessary to bake them until they’re tender and the filling is cooked through? What is the beauty of this recipe is that it’s mostly hands-off once everything is assembled and in the fridge. What are some good places to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon? Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply heavenly.
Ingredients
For Stuffed Bell Peppers: How do I make them?
- 4 large bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or a mix): 1 large pepper, 1 medium pepper.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
- 1 medium onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano per teaspoon.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
- What are some good red pepper flakes to add to a smoothie?
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- How much tomato sauce can you make?
- 1 cup cooked rice (I usually use long grain white rice, but brown rice works too)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) (recipe)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional): 1
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent peppers from sticking? I’ve skipped this before, and trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
Step 2: Prep the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. I usually trim the bottoms slightly so they can stand upright in the baking dish. If you’re feeling fancy, you can carve little faces into peppers for a fun presentation!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat Olive Oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. How do you drain off grease from stuffed peppers?
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do the flavors meld together?
Step 5: Combine Filling Ingredients
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked rice and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a taste test, you can sneak in some of the ingredients to make sure everything is perfectly seasoned.
Step 6: Stuff the Peppers
What is the best way to prepare bell peppers? Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared bell Peppers, packing it in firmly. Don’t be afraid to overfill them slightly; they’ll shrink down a bit during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. How do you pour 1/2 cup of water into a dish? This helps create steam, which keeps the peppers from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. The internal temperature of the filling should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
How do you remove stuffed bell peppers from the oven? Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
These Stuffed Bell Peppers are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but here are a few ideas for side dishes to round things out:
For a Simple Side: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. It provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peppers.
For a Heartier Meal: Garlic Bread or crusty Italian bread. Perfect for soaking up all that delicious tomato sauce!
For a Lighter Option: Steamed Green Beans or asparagus. A healthy and flavorful addition.
For a Potluck: Coleslaw or Potato Salad. Classic picnic fare that complements the flavors of the peppers.
My family loves it when I serve these with a dollop of Sour Cream on top. It adds a nice tanginess!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Bell Peppers
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure these Stuffed Bell Peppers turn out perfectly every time:
Pepper Selection: Choose peppers that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. The size of the peppers will affect the baking time, so try to choose peppers that are roughly the same size.
Rice Type: I prefer using long-grain white rice because it holds its shape well, but you can use brown rice for a more nutritious option. Just be sure to cook the brown rice a little longer, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Meat Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of meat. Ground turkey is a leaner option, and Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor. You could even use a combination of meats!
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
Cheese Please: Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty, nutty flavor, but you can use other types of cheese as well. Mozzarella cheese will give you a gooey, cheesy topping, while cheddar cheese will add a sharp, tangy flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the peppers, as they can become mushy. They should be tender but still have a little bit of bite to them.
I always like to add a little sugar to the tomato sauce to balance out the acidity. It’s a trick my grandma taught me!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Stuffed Bell Peppers are great for making ahead of time or for leftovers.
Refrigerating: Store the cooked Stuffed Bell Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together!
Freezing: To freeze, wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven, or even grill them. Microwaving is the quickest option, but baking them in the oven will give you the best results. To reheat in the oven, place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
I often double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – Grandma Rosa’s Famous Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe! It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a taste of comfort, and a taste of love. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will enjoy, look no further. If you loved this Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, be sure to check out my other family favorite recipes like my famous lasagna and Chicken Pot Pie! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground beef
- 1 cup Uncooked rice
- 4 large Bell peppers Assorted colors
- 1 small Onion Chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
- Fill each pepper half with the beef and rice mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 40 minutes, or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
