Print

Classic Stuffed Peppers for a Cozy Homemade Dinner Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 111 reviews

Classic Stuffed Peppers are a comforting, homemade dinner option featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. This recipe offers flexibility with protein and vegetable substitutions, making it a versatile and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 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)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

For the Topping

  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese or cheddar
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
  2. Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds. Rinse them under cold water and drain well.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
  5. Mix Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  6. Stuff Peppers: Fill each prepared bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it in generously but without overfilling.
  7. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour about 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the dish to keep the peppers moist while baking.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to soften the peppers and meld the flavors.
  9. Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of each stuffed pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Serve: Let the peppers cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a cozy homemade dinner.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a different protein option.
  • Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, gluten-free version.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
  • To save time, use pre-cooked rice and canned diced tomatoes.
  • Leftover stuffed peppers make great next-day meals and reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, ground beef recipe, cozy dinner, homemade stuffed peppers, bell pepper stuffing, cheesy stuffed peppers

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/classic-stuffed-peppers-for-a-cozy-homemade-dinner-delight-recipe/