Description

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty and comforting dish featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, this baked recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Produce

6 bell peppers (any color)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Meat and Dairy

1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Pantry Staples

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup cooked rice
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if necessary so the peppers can stand upright in the baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow flavors to meld.
Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese for a cheesy finish.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

Feel free to use any combination of bell pepper colors to make the dish visually appealing.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling mixture.
Leftover stuffed peppers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the Italian seasoning and other ingredients do not contain gluten additives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American