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Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers
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These easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, comforting, and nutritious dish featuring tender bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of protein, grains, vegetables, and spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep or special gatherings, they offer versatile variations to suit vegetarian, low-carb, and spicy preferences, all baked to bubbly perfection with a cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Bell Peppers

  • 4 large firm, colorful bell peppers

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein alternative

Grains

  • 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice)

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash the bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes inside to create hollow cavities for stuffing. Optionally, blanch the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if you prefer them softer after baking.
  2. Cook the Filling: Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic in a pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden. Add your choice of ground protein and cook thoroughly until no longer pink. Stir in the cooked rice or grains, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, and all the herbs and spices. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Stuff the Peppers: Evenly fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture, packing gently but firmly. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish to keep the filling contained during baking.
  4. Bake with Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes. Uncover during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden and bubbly.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This lets the filling settle and makes handling or slicing easier. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your chosen side dishes or garnishes.

Notes

  • Choose even-sized peppers for uniform cooking and presentation.
  • Do not overfill the peppers; leave some space at the top to prevent overflow.
  • Use a sharp knife for clean cuts when hollowing peppers.
  • Allow stuffed peppers to rest before serving to improve texture.
  • Double the recipe for leftovers or meal prepping; they reheat well.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, easy stuffed peppers, stuffed peppers recipe, baked stuffed peppers, healthy stuffed peppers

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/stuffed-bell-peppers/