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!