Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Delightful Medley of Flavors Encased in Vibrant Vegetables

Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Delightful Medley of Flavors Encased in Vibrant Vegetables

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a timeless and versatile dish that brings an explosion of flavors to your dining table. These colorful bell peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of rice, ground meat, and various vegetables, all cooked together in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, as it offers a wholesome and well-balanced meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers under cold water and set them aside.

3. Cook the ground meat. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

5. Combine the filling. Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let the filling cook for an additional 5 minutes, occasionally stirring to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Stuff the bell peppers. Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously but not overpacking. Place the stuffed peppers into a baking dish that will keep them upright.

7. Bake the peppers. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

8. Add the cheese. Remove the foil from the baking dish, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Garnish and serve. Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy these hearty and flavor-packed Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds!