Why Make This Recipe
Classic Stuffed Peppers are a great meal choice for many reasons. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be a fun dish for the whole family. You can customize the filling to your liking, making it a versatile recipe. Plus, stuffed peppers are a perfect way to enjoy vegetables while getting a good dose of protein and carbs.
How to Make Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Classic Stuffed Peppers
Serve Classic Stuffed Peppers warm. They are perfect on their own or paired with a fresh salad. You can also offer some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
How to Store Classic Stuffed Peppers
To store leftover stuffed peppers, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Classic Stuffed Peppers
- Use a variety of colors for the bell peppers for a nice presentation.
- Feel free to add more spices or herbs according to your taste.
- You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for a lighter version.
Variation
You can customize your stuffed peppers by adding black beans, corn, or vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms into the filling. For a Mexican twist, use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute if you prefer.
2. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if you bake them straight from the fridge.
3. What can I do if I have leftover filling?
You can use the leftover filling as a topping for nachos, mix it with pasta, or serve it as a side dish!
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers Choose a variety of colors for presentation.
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute.
- 1 cup cooked rice Any type of rice can be used.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can be replaced with taco seasoning for a Mexican twist.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
Baking
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.