Description
Hearty “Italian Stuffed Peppers” bring Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table with robust ground beef, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese. Savory ingredients blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal that satisfies you with each delicious, wholesome bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetable and Grain Base:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
Seasoning and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously wash bell peppers and carefully slice off their caps, ensuring a clean removal of seeds and inner membranes. Gently level the pepper bases to create stable vessels for the savory filling.
- Warm olive oil in a robust skillet over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate ground meat into the aromatic mixture, breaking it into delicate crumbles and cooking until achieving a rich, uniform brown color. Drain any excess lipids to maintain a clean flavor profile.
- Fold in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning blend, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to slightly cool and meld its intricate flavors.
- Tenderly spoon the seasoned filling into each pepper cavity, pressing gently to ensure a compact and generous stuffing. Arrange the peppers in a ceramic baking dish cushioned with a thin layer of additional tomato sauce.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to a preheated oven set at 375°F. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, creating a steamy environment that tenderizes the peppers.
- Remove the foil, elegantly drape mozzarella cheese atop each pepper, and return to the oven. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers reach perfect tenderness and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
Notes
- Customize pepper selection by using various colors like red, yellow, or green for a vibrant presentation.
- Remove seeds carefully to create a clean, uniform interior for even filling distribution.
- Ensure meat is fully browned and drain excess fat to prevent soggy, greasy filling.
- Experiment with protein alternatives like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for healthier variations.
- Allow filling to cool slightly before stuffing to prevent pepper walls from becoming too soft.
- Use a baking dish with tall sides to support peppers and prevent tipping during cooking.
- Add extra moisture with a splash of broth or white wine in the bottom of the baking dish for tender peppers.
- Top with additional cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg