Description
Classic stuffed peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish made with bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down slightly to pack tightly.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of tomato sauce over the tops of the peppers.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost.
- Peppers can be blanched for 2-3 minutes before stuffing for a softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg