Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

For the Peppers:

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  3. Lightly brush or rub the outside of the peppers with olive oil.
  4. Place them upright in a baking dish.

2. Make the Filling:

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Stuff and Bake the Peppers:

  1. Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down slightly.
  2. Top with extra tomato sauce and cover the baking dish with foil.
  3. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  4. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Tips for Success:

✔ Use Different Grains: Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
✔ Make It Vegetarian: Substitute meat with black beans, lentils, or mushrooms.
✔ Prep Ahead: Stuff the peppers in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Enjoy your homemade stuffed peppers—a hearty and flavorful meal! 🌶️🍽️

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