Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers blend savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheese inside roasted bell peppers. Spicy seasonings and fresh garnishes elevate this hearty meal perfect for dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4–6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice (white or brown)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Carefully slice off pepper tops and meticulously extract all seeds and internal membranes, creating clean hollow vessels.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- For meat version, brown ground meat completely; for vegetarian alternative, skip meat addition.
- Incorporate rice or quinoa into the skillet, blending with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of herbs and seasonings.
- For vegetarian preparation, fold in complementary beans and colorful vegetables to enhance nutritional profile.
- Generously stuff each pepper shell with the prepared mixture, arranging them snugly in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across pepper tops for a rich, melted finish.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 30 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until peppers achieve desired tenderness and cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
- Plate immediately while piping hot, ready to be savored.
Notes
- Customize your peppers by selecting colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, and orange for a vibrant presentation.
- Select lean ground meat or plant-based protein alternatives to adjust the recipe’s nutritional profile and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Pre-cook rice or quinoa slightly less than package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking and maintain a perfect texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta, mozzarella, or dairy-free alternatives to create unique flavor combinations and cater to various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 18 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg