Stuffed peppers are a classic and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here's a basic recipe to get you started, along with some variations and tips.
Basic Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or any variety you like)
- 1/2 lb ground beef, turkey, or sausage (you can also use a plant-based meat substitute)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can also trim a small slice off the bottom if the peppers don’t stand upright, but be careful not to create a hole.
- Cook Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in slightly. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot.
Variations and Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Use cooked quinoa or lentils in place of the meat. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling.
- Different Grains: You can use couscous, farro, or barley instead of rice for a different texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Sauce: For a saucier dish, add a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish before placing the stuffed peppers in it.
Stuffed peppers are great for meal prep, as they can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to find your favorite combination!
