Here’s a classic stuffed peppers recipe—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make 🌶️
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4–6 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano & basil)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep peppers
- Cut the tops off and remove seeds and membranes.
- Optional: blanch in boiling water 2–3 minutes to soften slightly.
- Cook filling
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground meat; cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook 3–5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Stuff peppers
- Spoon filling into each pepper.
- Place peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips & Variations
- 🌶️ Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the filling.
- 🧄 Add minced garlic and onion powder for extra flavor.
- 🍅 Use tomato sauce or marinara in the baking dish to keep peppers moist.
- 🧀 Mix some Parmesan into the filling for cheesy depth.
If you want, I can give a quick weeknight version that’s done in one skillet without baking—still delicious and juicy.
Do you want me to do that version?
