Bell Peppers Filled with Ground Meat, Rice, and Spices

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic and colorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. These bell peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of ground meat, rice, and flavorful spices, then baked until tender. The combination of tender bell peppers and savory filling makes this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Recipe Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 6 medium bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand upright. Arrange the bell peppers in the prepared baking dish.
3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Fill the Bell Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, pressing it down to fill them completely. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each filled pepper.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Garnish the stuffed bell peppers with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Choose Peppers that Stand Upright: Select bell peppers that can stand upright on their own for easy filling and even cooking.
• Precook the Peppers: For softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before stuffing and baking.
• Use Leftover Rice: This recipe is great for using up leftover rice, making the preparation quicker.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Mexican-Inspired Peppers: Add 1/2 cup of black beans, 1/2 cup of corn, and 1/2 tsp chili powder to the filling for a Mexican twist.
• Cheesy Stuffed Peppers: Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheese into the filling for an extra cheesy flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
A: Absolutely! Let the stuffed peppers cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• With Crusty Bread: Pair with warm crusty bread to soak up any extra juices from the peppers.
• With Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each pepper for added creaminess.

Bell Peppers Filled with Ground Meat, Rice, and Spices is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of tender bell peppers, savory meat, and aromatic spices makes this dish a favorite for many. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a classic, delicious meal that everyone will love!