Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers
any color, or a combination of colors
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
I use 90% lean
- 1/2 cup onion
finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic
minced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
do not use raw rice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
shredded, divided use
- 2 tablespoons parsley
chopped
- cooking spray
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.
- 2
Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds inside.
- 3
Place the peppers cut side down in the baking dish. Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the dish.
- 4
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 5
While the peppers are cooking, prepare the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- 6
Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until meat is cooked through.
- 8
Add the onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 9
Add the rice, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
- 10
Remove the peppers from the oven and drain off the water. Turn the peppers over and fill each one with the beef mixture.
- 11
Top each pepper with the remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned and peppers are tender.
- 12
Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
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About this Recipe
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that brings the family together? These classic Stuffed Bell Peppers deliver a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast. You'll love how simple it is to create this beloved dish.
What makes these Stuffed Bell Peppers truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients. The use of 90% lean ground beef creates a substantial, flavorful filling without excess grease, while the cooked white rice ensures a tender, appealing texture throughout. Infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a generous touch of Italian seasoning, every bite is rich and deeply savory.
Prepare to enjoy tender, colorful bell peppers cradling a robust filling of seasoned ground beef and fluffy white rice. The rich tomato sauce simmers around them, adding a tangy depth that complements the savory meat. A generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese on top creates a beautifully golden, gooey finish, making these peppers an incredibly inviting and satisfying dish. They offer a wonderfully balanced bite, combining tender vegetables with a hearty, savory core.
Feel free to customize your Stuffed Bell Peppers to suit your taste. While ground beef is a classic choice, you could easily swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use cooked lentils and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Experiment with different bell pepper colors for a vibrant presentation. If you don't have Italian seasoning, a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works beautifully. You can also mix in some finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
These Stuffed Bell Peppers are ideal for a comforting family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. Serve them alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.