Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and satisfying dish featuring hollowed-out bell peppers filled with a savory mixture, typically consisting of ground meat (such as beef, turkey, or pork), cooked rice, diced vegetables (like onions, tomatoes, and sometimes zucchini or corn), herbs, spices, and often a tomato-based sauce. The stuffed peppers are then baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through and heated. A layer of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, is often added on top during the last part of baking, creating a melted and gooey topping that adds extra flavor and visual appeal. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers – red, green, yellow, and orange – make this dish visually appealing, while the combination of textures and flavors makes it a hearty and enjoyable meal. The bell peppers become slightly sweet and tender during baking, complementing the savory and often slightly spiced filling. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to various dietary preferences by using different types of ground meat or plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. The seasonings can also be adjusted to suit individual tastes, with common additions including garlic, oregano, paprika, and chili powder. Stuffed bell peppers are often served as a main course and can be accompanied by a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up any of the flavorful sauce. They are also a great make-ahead dish, as they can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. The combination of a naturally edible “bowl” with a flavorful and filling mixture makes stuffed bell peppers a comforting and wholesome meal.
The texture of Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers is a delightful combination of slightly tender-crisp bell peppers and a soft, often slightly chunky filling. The bell peppers retain some of their firmness after baking, providing a pleasant bite. The filling, with its mixture of cooked ground meat, rice, and diced vegetables, offers a varied texture that is both substantial and satisfying. The melted cheese topping adds a gooey and slightly chewy element.
The flavor profile of Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers is a savory and slightly sweet blend. The bell peppers themselves have a mild, slightly sweet taste that intensifies a bit during baking. The filling, with its ground meat, rice, and vegetables, is typically seasoned with savory herbs and spices like garlic, onion, oregano, and paprika. The tomato-based sauce adds a touch of acidity and sweetness, which complements the other flavors. The melted cheese topping contributes a rich and often slightly salty note.
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a versatile dish suitable for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Their colorful appearance makes them appealing for both adults and children. They can be served as a main course on their own or with a simple side dish.
The preparation of Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers involves several steps: preparing the bell peppers, making the filling, stuffing the peppers, and then baking them until tender and the filling is cooked through. The bell peppers are typically halved lengthwise or the tops are removed, and the seeds and membranes are discarded, creating hollow shells to hold the filling. The filling is usually made by cooking ground meat with diced onions and garlic, then adding cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and other vegetables, along with herbs, spices, and a tomato-based sauce. This savory mixture is then spooned into the prepared bell pepper shells. The stuffed peppers are often placed in a baking dish with a little water or sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking and to help steam the peppers. They are then baked in a preheated oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Shredded cheese is often sprinkled over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking until melted and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, green, yellow, orange)
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or pork (or a combination)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
Equipment:
- Baking dish (large enough to hold the stuffed peppers)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise through the stem, or slice off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes. If you cut them lengthwise, leave the stems on for presentation if desired.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stuff the Peppers: Arrange the prepared bell pepper halves (or whole peppers) in a baking dish. Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity, filling them generously.
- Add Liquid to Baking Dish: Pour about 1/2 cup of vegetable broth or water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to create steam and keeps the peppers from drying out during baking.
- Bake the Peppers: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender but still slightly firm.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed bell peppers.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish the stuffed bell peppers with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a main course.
Enjoy these delicious and colorful Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers!