Description
Hearty Mexican-style stuffed bell peppers merge zesty spices and wholesome ingredients into a comforting meal. Melted cheese, seasoned rice, and savory ground beef create a delicious harmony you’ll crave for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
Protein:
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground beef or turkey
Grains and Rice:
- 1 cup (200 grams) cooked rice (white or brown)
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onion
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Liquids and Additions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare a culinary canvas by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for transforming bell peppers into a savory masterpiece.
- Gently massage the exterior of bell peppers with a light coating of olive oil, positioning them upright in a baking vessel to await their delicious transformation.
- Ignite a skillet over medium heat, introducing ground protein and coaxing it to a golden-brown state while meticulously fragmenting the meat. Incorporate diced onions, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Elevate the flavor profile by introducing a symphony of seasonings: diced tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow these ingredients to meld and intensify for a brief moment.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in perfectly cooked rice, blending it with a generous portion of shredded cheese until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
- Carefully spoon the flavorful mixture into the prepared bell peppers, creating a vibrant and substantial filling. Introduce broth to the baking dish, ensuring the peppers remain succulent during their culinary journey.
- Drape the dish with foil, allowing the peppers to bake and develop depth for 30 minutes. Unveil the peppers, crown them with remaining cheese, and return to the oven for a final 10-minute transformation.
- Present the stuffed peppers adorned with fresh parsley or cilantro, a verdant garnish that adds a final touch of freshness to this comforting dish.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein high and flavor robust.
- Choose bell peppers in different colors to create a visually stunning dish that adds nutritional variety and makes the meal more appealing.
- Prepare filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly, saving precious cooking time without compromising taste.
- Add extra heat by mixing in diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick to their stuffed peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg