Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers and Filling:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternative
- 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa for a healthier option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce or salsa
Instructions
Instructions for Stuffed Bell Peppers
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
- Par-cook the peppers by either boiling them for 3-4 minutes or roasting them in the oven for 10 minutes to tenderize. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Arrange the prepped bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper, pressing gently to pack it tightly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of each filled pepper.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve with sour cream, hot sauce, or salsa if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and customizable stuffed bell peppers!