Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and herbs creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish is both tasty and nutritious.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: A great option for a family dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare in advance and bake when ready for a convenient meal.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Green Bell Peppers: Choose firm, bright green peppers for the best results. Blanching them before stuffing helps soften them and makes them easier to eat.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 85% lean beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. Drain excess fat after browning to keep the dish lighter.
- Rice: Use either white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Cook the rice beforehand to save time during preparation.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the filling. Finely chop them to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with their juice provide moisture and flavor to the filling. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if preferred.
- Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and basil enhance the savory taste of the filling. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Optional but recommended for a gooey, flavorful topping. Feel free to use your favorite cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Blanching Peppers: This step softens the peppers just enough to make them tender after baking. Boil them for 3-4 minutes, then shock in ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Cooking Ground Beef: Brown the beef over medium heat to render out the fat slowly and achieve a nice caramelization. Drain the fat to reduce the greasiness of the dish.
- Filling Consistency: The filling should be moist but not too wet. If it seems too liquidy, cook it a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.
- Baking Temperature: A moderate oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) ensures the peppers cook through without burning the filling.
- Cheese Topping: Add cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and lightly brown it. This adds a delicious texture and flavor contrast.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty filling.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling. Top with shredded Mexican cheese and serve with salsa.
- Italian Twist: Mix in some Italian sausage and use Italian herbs like parsley and thyme. Top with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
- Low-Carb Option: Omit the rice and increase the amount of ground beef or add more vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the filling for some heat.
- Mediterranean Flair: Use ground lamb instead of beef, and add chopped olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried mint.
- Breakfast Stuffed Peppers: Fill the peppers with a mixture of scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a delicious breakfast option.
- Seafood Stuffed Peppers: Use a seafood medley like shrimp or crabmeat mixed with rice and herbs for a lighter, seafood-based version.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve the stuffed peppers as a complete meal, perhaps with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.
- With a Side: Pair with a side of garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe and serve at a potluck or family gathering. They’re easy to transport and can be served hot or at room temperature.
- Presentation Tips: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Arrange the peppers on a platter with a drizzle of sauce if desired.
- Pairing Suggestions: A glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze stuffed peppers before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the peppers up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to 24 hours in advance and bake them when ready to serve.
Q: How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is heated through. A fork should easily pierce the pepper.
Q: Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a different flavor or dietary preference.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free ingredients like rice and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, feel free to add diced zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Stuffed Green Peppers with Ground Beef is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out for your next family dinner and enjoy the delicious flavors and nutritious benefits.
Don’t forget to share your experience on social media and let us know how you liked it!
Stuffed Green Peppers with Ground Beef
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring green bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice, baked to perfection. Ideal for a family dinner.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 large green bell peppers tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean recommended
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz diced tomatoes canned, with juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green bell peppers and blanch for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Place the blanched green peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, filling them to the top.
- Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the peppers during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and lightly brown.
Notes
Chef's Tips:
• For a softer texture, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking
• Avoid overfilling the peppers to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking
• Serve with a side of sour cream or salsa for added flavor
Food Safety:
• Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking