Description
Learn how to make deliciously easy stuffed bell peppers with this step-by-step recipe. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 4-6 bell peppers (any color – green, yellow, red, orange)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (450g – you can also use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, tofu, or other similar)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spicy)
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 5 ounces (411 g) fire roasted tomatoes (canned – or use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend – I LOVE pepperjack for myself)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- For Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and heat a pot of water until it boils, ensuring there’s enough to cover the bell peppers.
- Rinse the bell peppers, remove the tops, and hollow out the inside. If necessary, trim the bottom slightly so they stand upright. (NOTE: Chop the tops of the peppers to use later with the onion – remove and discard the stem.)
- Boil the peppers for 5 minutes to soften them a bit. (Alternatively, you can bake the peppers for 20 minutes to achieve the same softness.)
- Place the softened peppers in a baking dish that has been lightly coated with oil.
- Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onions, chopped pepper tops, and jalapeno (if using). Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Introduce the garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until the aroma is released.
- Incorporate the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
- Combine the fire roasted tomatoes, seasonings, and cooked rice, then mix thoroughly and remove from the heat.
- Mix in half of the shredded cheese until it is well combined.
- Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each.
- Bake the filled peppers for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach the desired tenderness and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow them to cool slightly, add the garnishes, and enjoy.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, try using ground turkey or tofu in place of ground beef.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as pepperjack for a unique flavor twist.
- Enhance the spiciness by adding a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a kick.
