Description
Learn how to make delicious Easy Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 cup uncooked rice (240 ml)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (480 ml)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- 5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (439 g)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 g)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Set your oven to heat up to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers by slicing them in half, removing seeds and inner membranes. Rinse them under cool water and set them aside.
- To cook the rice, bring the broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the rice, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for around 15 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes soft. Take it off the heat and gently fluff with a fork.
- For the filling, warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until it releases its aroma.
- Incorporate the ground beef into the pan. Cook until it’s browned and fully done, using a spoon to break it apart. Drain any extra fat.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and Italian seasoning into the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture and let it heat for about 2-3 minutes.
- Fill the prepared bell pepper halves with the mixture, pressing it down gently.
- Arrange the filled peppers in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Take off the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and grated cheese over the peppers. Put them back in the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optionally, top with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Serve while hot.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Enhance the filling by adding diced mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
