Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Classic Stuffed Peppers are a great meal for any day. They are colorful, tasty, and packed with good stuff. You can use different ingredients based on what you like or have at home. Plus, they are easy to make, and everyone can have their own stuffed pepper filled just the way they want it.

How To Make Classic Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 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)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds inside.
3. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
4. Stir in the ground beef and cook until it’s browned. Drain any extra fat.
5. Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes until everything is combined.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan on top of the peppers.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve!

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook, making a total of 45 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 450 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat.

How To Serve Classic Stuffed Peppers

Serve the stuffed peppers warm with a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra herbs for extra flavor.

How To Store Classic Stuffed Peppers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Tips To Make Classic Stuffed Peppers

• You can use different types of meat or even go meatless with beans or lentils.
• Try adding more veggies, like chopped spinach or mushrooms.
• For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or use spicy sausage.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This recipe is healthy because it offers a good amount of protein from the meat. The peppers are full of vitamins, especially vitamin C. By using brown rice or cauliflower rice, you can boost fiber content too. It’s a balanced meal that includes protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish.

Variation

Try using quinoa instead of rice for a different texture, or switch out the meats for a vegetarian option like black beans or stuffed with quinoa and veggies.

FAQs

Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes! You can use poblano peppers or even zucchinis as a base.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day ahead and store them in the fridge before baking.

What can I do with leftover filling?
You can serve the leftover filling over a salad or use it as a topping for baked potatoes.

Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Classic Stuffed Peppers are hearty, tender bell peppers filled with a savory beef and rice mixture and topped with bubbly, golden cheese. This comforting recipe is an easy choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Stuffed Peppers

• 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
• 1 pound (454 g) 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)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C.
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers, then remove the seeds and inner membranes.

Cooking

1. Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion becomes soft.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned throughout. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the mixture is evenly combined.
4. Take the pan off the heat and mix in half of the mozzarella cheese.

Assembly

1. Spoon the beef and rice filling into the prepared bell peppers, then place the peppers in a baking dish.
2. Distribute the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the filled peppers.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving

1. Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For make-ahead preparation, assemble the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking.