Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, and tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This classic comfort food is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dry and Canned Goods
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside. Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish, ready for stuffing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly until it is fully browned. Break apart the meat as it cooks to avoid clumps. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the filling lean.
- Combine Ingredients: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine all flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the ingredients.
- Stuff Peppers: Evenly divide the beef and rice filling among the prepared bell peppers. Pack the filling gently but firmly to the top of each pepper.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers for 30 minutes. This lets the peppers soften and the flavors meld.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each pepper, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving. This helps settle the filling and makes them easier to eat.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Try using different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for varied flavor profiles.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To speed up the process, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from previous meals.
