Description
Discover how to make delicious old fashioned stuffed bell peppers with this easy recipe. Learn the secret to perfectly seasoned and tender peppers!
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers (can use 8 if needed)
- 45 ml (3 tbsp.) vegetable oil, divided
- 225 g (8 oz.) lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 large zucchini, diced
- 4 roma tomatoes, diced
- 240 ml (1 cup) cooked rice (mix of white and brown is fine)
- 475 ml (2 cups) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), divided
Instructions
- Slice off the tops of the peppers and discard the stems. Finely chop the tops and set them aside. Remove seeds and membranes from the peppers and refrigerate them in a zip-top bag.
- Warm up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until it’s fully browned. Transfer the beef to a plate.
- Pour the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil into the skillet. Toss in the onion and chopped pepper tops, cooking until they start to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and zucchini, cooking for an additional minute. Stir in the tomatoes, season again with salt and pepper, and cook until everything is heated through. Mix in the beef and rice, then adjust the seasoning if necessary. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Let the mixture cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the leftover cheese in a small container in the refrigerator. The mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- When ready to prepare the dish, set your oven to preheat at 350°F.
- Arrange the peppers, open side up, in a baking dish that fits them snugly. Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden, about 15 to 20 more minutes. Serve hot!
Notes
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating additional vegetables like corn or peas.
- Get creative by trying different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique touch.
