Stuffed Bell Peppers

Introduction

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that combines the natural sweetness of bell peppers with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and cheese. This delicious and colorful dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The peppers are baked until tender and topped with melted cheese, making them both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Extra shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers in the prepared baking dish.
Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the filling mixture into the bell peppers, packing it down gently. Top each pepper with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
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.
Serve:
- Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers: Choose peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom so they can stand upright in the baking dish.
Filling Variations: You can customize the filling with different ingredients such as quinoa, black beans, corn, or different types of cheese.
Cheese: For a different flavor, try using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

Conclusion

Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. They are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve them with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner.