Classic Stuffed Peppers
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Classic Stuffed Peppers are a beloved dish that brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You start with fresh bell peppers, which serve as the perfect vessel for a hearty filling. The combination of ground beef, spices, and rice creates a satisfying and flavorful stuffing that can be tailored to your liking.
One of the key steps is blanching the peppers before stuffing them. This not only softens them but also ensures they cook through properly in the oven. The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes in the stuffing adds a delightful depth of flavor, making each bite a burst of deliciousness. You can also experiment with different meats or even add extra vegetables to the mix.
As you layer the stuffing into the peppers, don’t forget to top them with cheese! A melty, gooey cheese topping elevates the dish, making it even more comforting. Whether you choose cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, the cheese adds a rich creaminess that complements the savory filling.
Baking the stuffed peppers until they are golden and bubbly is the final step. The aroma that fills your kitchen is irresistible, and the result is a dish that is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the insides, knocking out seeds.
Tip: Don't throw away the tops of the peppers; you can chop them up and use them in your recipe.
Chop the tops of the peppers to use in the stuffing.
Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 4-5 minutes to soften them.
Tip: If your peppers aren't standing straight, slice a little off the bottom to level them.
Set the blanched peppers into a lightly oiled baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and chopped pepper tops to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes.
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up and cooking until mostly browned.
Add paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in fire roasted tomatoes and cooked rice, then simmer for a few minutes.
Tip: The amount of stuffing needed depends on the size of your peppers; larger peppers may require more stuffing.
Remove the stuffing from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Tip: You can add water to the bottom of the pan for steaming, but it's usually not necessary.
Spoon the stuffing mixture into the blanched peppers.
Top the stuffed peppers with additional cheese.
Bake the stuffed peppers for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are cooked through.
Tip: You can cook stuffed peppers on the grill, smoke them, or use a slow cooker for different flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Blanching the peppers helps them cook evenly and ensures they are tender.
- •You can use various types of ground meat, including turkey or chicken, for different flavor profiles.
- •Fire-roasted tomatoes add a rich flavor to the stuffing mix.
- •Stuffed peppers can be customized with different spices and cheeses to suit your taste.
