Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Savory Beef and Rice
Looking for the best stuffed bell pepper recipe? This easy recipe features savory beef & rice, perfect for a comforting beef dinner. Get the recipe now!
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth to make? honestly, that's me most nights! that's why i'm sharing my stuffed bell pepper recipe today! they're proper comfort food.
Think warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Quick Hook: Comfort Food with a Kick
This isn't just any stuffed bell pepper recipe , mind you. this one's got a savory beef and rice filling with a tangy tomato sauce .
So, a complete meal ready in just over an hour. it's my go-to when i'm craving something satisfying.
Brief Overview
These easy stuffed peppers are inspired by classic italian-american cooking. originating from a need to make the most of simple ingredients.
They bring a taste of the trattoria to your kitchen. the recipe is medium difficulty and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to cook.
Yielding 4 portions. perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This healthy beef recipe is a great source of protein and fiber. it is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering with friends.
It's special because it's so versatile – you can easily adapt it to your liking! perhaps you want a keto dessert ? that is possible by removing the rice and adding some cheese and cauliflower rice.
Honestly, i love how forgiving this beef recipes easy recipe is. you know? once, i accidentally used a tin of chopped tomatoes with chili, and it turned out amazing.
It added a lovely kick.
These peppers recipes are a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your diet. the bell peppers themselves are packed with vitamin c, and the filling is bursting with goodness.
Speaking of goodness. this makes it a healthy beef recipes .
You really can't go wrong with this beef dinner , it's one of my favorites! i am quite confident that this ground beef recipes will turn out to be one of yours also.
Now, let's get down to the ingredients, shall we?
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need for a proper stuffed bell pepper recipe . it's easier than you think, honestly.
Think of it as putting a delicious dinner inside a veggie. brilliant, innit? this will be the best stuffed pepper recipe you have made.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, first things first. you'll need 4 bell peppers. any colour works. about 8oz/225g each. quality check? they should be firm and shiny.
Next, 1 lb (450g) of ground beef. get the 80/20 blend for a good flavour. i like to use a good quality beef when making healthy beef recipes .
You'll also need 1 cup (200g) of cooked white rice. long grain or basmati is brilliant. we're using 1 (14.
5oz/411g) can of diced tomatoes, undrained, and 1 (8oz/226g) can of tomato sauce. don’t drain the tomatoes. the juice adds flavour.
A 1/2 cup (75g) of frozen corn, thawed. finally, 1/4 cup (15g) of chopped fresh parsley.
For flavour, you will need 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) and 1 medium yellow onion (150g) , finely chopped. you will also need 2 cloves (5g) of minced garlic.
You will also need a 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g) and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g) , plus 1 teaspoon (5g) of dried italian seasoning.
Seasoning Notes
Italian seasoning is the secret weapon. use a good quality blend for an authentic flavour. a little pinch of red pepper flakes is amazing.
Especially if you like a bit of a kick. for a richer flavour use fresh herbs when possible. basil and oregano are great additions.
If you don't have italian seasoning, a mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme works a charm.
Don't be afraid to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. It adds depth and complexity.
Equipment Needed
Essentials only, love. you'll need a large skillet or dutch oven. essential for browning the beef. a baking dish ( 9x13 inch/23x33cm ).
For popping those lovely easy stuffed peppers into the oven. a cutting board and chef's knife are also a must.
For chopping those onions and garlic. finally, measuring cups and spoons. don't want to add too much salt, do we?
No fancy gadgets needed. a wooden spoon works just as well as a fancy spatula. if you don't have a baking dish, a roasting pan works fine too.
See? no need to stress! you'll have yourself a perfect beef dinner. this beef recipes easy dish is a crowd pleaser.
So get ready to have the healthy beef recipe perfected. remember that peppers recipes are a hit.
Now, about that Keto Dessert . Perhaps a sugar-free chocolate mousse after these amazing peppers? Just a thought!
Alright, let's talk stuffed bell peppers ! seriously, is there anything more comforting? it is one of my favorite beef recipes easy ! they're proper crowd-pleasers and secretly, pretty straightforward, even if they look a bit fancy.
Forget dry, bland fillings. we're going full flavour town! apparently, studies show that eating colorful food improves your mood. so, let's get stuffing!
Prep Like a Pro for the Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe
First things first, the mise en place – that's fancy chef talk for "get your act together before you start cooking".
Chop your onion into small pieces (about 1 cup/150g ), mince your garlic (around 2 teaspoons/5g ). get that ground beef (450g) ready.
Get out the tomato sauce (226g) .
Time-Saving Tricks
Honestly, pre-chopping your onion and garlic the night before saves you a heap of time. you can even cook the rice (you'll need 1 cup cooked ) ahead of time.
Sorted! and the bell peppers i like to pick various color peppers for best results!
Safety First
Don't be a numpty! Wash your hands before you start, and always use a clean cutting board for raw meat. We don't want any dodgy bugs ruining dinner.
Step-by-Step to Stuffed Bell Pepper Perfection
Here's how to make a smashing Easy Stuffed Peppers dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C / Gas Mark 5) . Get those peppers ready. Slice those 4 bell peppers in half, scoop out the gubbins (seeds and membranes), drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil , season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , and pop them cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Sauté the aromatics! Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Throw in the minced garlic and cook until you can smell it – about 30 seconds .
- Brown that ground beef ! Chuck it in the pan and break it up with a spoon until it's all brown. Drain any excess fat. No one likes greasy peppers!
- Simmer, simmer! Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , 1 can (411g) diced tomatoes, undrained , and 1 can (226g) tomato sauce . Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes . Let those flavours get acquainted.
- Combine and conquer! Take the pan off the heat. Stir in that cooked rice, 1/2 cup frozen corn , and 1/4 cup chopped parsley . This is your super filling!
- Stuff those beauties! Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared peppers. Don't be shy!
- Bake them silly! Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes .
- Cheese it up! (Optional, but highly recommended). Remove the foil and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese . Bake uncovered for another 10- 15 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are nice and tender.
Pro Tips for Healthy Beef Recipes
- Secret Weapon: For extra tender peppers, give them a quick blanch in boiling water for 2- 3 minutes before stuffing.
- Don't Overfill: We don't want a pepper explosion in the oven!
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the peppers and bake when you're ready! Makes weeknights a breeze.
Best stuffed pepper recipe . you know? give these peppers recipes a go and tell me what you think! it's a really healthy beef dinner option, too, especially if you go easy on the cheese.
Speaking of which, if you're feeling adventurous, try a keto dessert afterwards! enjoy the ground beef recipes !
Alright, let's talk about making this stuffed bell pepper recipe extra special. We're going beyond just the instructions here. These are my little secrets to getting it just right .
Recipe Notes for the Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe
Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference! after making this stuffed bell pepper recipe countless times, i've learned a few tricks that really elevate it.
Think of these as your cheat sheet to easy stuffed peppers perfection.
Serving Suggestions: Plating, Sides, and Drinks
How you serve a dish makes a huge difference, you know? i love arranging my healthy beef recipes stuffed peppers on a bed of fresh rocket.
It adds a lovely peppery bite. a dollop of sour cream or plain greek yogurt on top? oh my gosh, heaven!
For sides, think about a light salad to cut through the richness. roasted veggies, like asparagus or broccoli are perfect, too! and to drink? a nice glass of red wine goes beautifully with these.
Storing Your Beef Dinner: Keeping the Flavors Alive!
Leftovers? lucky you! keep them in an airtight container. they'll be grand in the fridge for up to three days.
Fancy freezing? you can! just wrap them well in cling film, then foil. thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Don't microwave - they'll get a bit soggy, and no one wants that.
Variations on the Peppers Recipes: Keeping it Fresh
Want to mix things up? No problem. For a healthy beef version, use lean mince. Or, try ground turkey. It works a treat!
If you're feeling adventurous, swap the rice for quinoa. It adds a lovely nutty flavor.
For a veggie option, use lentils or mushrooms. Just add lots of herbs! Oh, you can try a keto dessert instead for some people.
Nutrition Basics: A Healthy Beef Recipes Boost
Let's be real. this isn't a diet meal. but it can be part of a balanced diet. it's packed with protein from the ground beef recipes , vitamins from the peppers.
And the tomato sauce even counts as one of your five a day!
Final Thoughts
Making beef recipes easy like this doesn't have to be intimidating. just follow the steps. and don't be afraid to experiment! this beef dinner is just a starting point.
Make it your own! you got this, mate! these are the peppers recipes everyone loves!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to stop my stuffed bell peppers from being soggy?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! To prevent that, try blanching the peppers for a few minutes before stuffing to pre-cook them slightly and draw out some moisture. Also, avoid overfilling the peppers, as the extra moisture from the filling can contribute to sogginess. And remember, don't be tempted to overbake them - check for doneness with a fork to avoid a mushy pepper situation.
Can I make this stuffed bell pepper recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely, you can! Just swap the ground beef for a vegetarian alternative. Crumbled veggie burgers or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and zucchini work wonderfully. You can even add some extra cheese like cheddar or even feta to give it that extra oomph. There are veggie alternatives out there for everyone!
How long do leftover stuffed bell peppers last, and how should I store them?
Leftover stuffed bell peppers are smashing the next day! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they'll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (though they might get a bit softer), or warm them up in the oven for a more even result. Just make sure they're heated through properly before tucking in.
Can I freeze this stuffed bell pepper recipe for later?
Indeed you can! Stuffed bell peppers freeze surprisingly well. Let them cool completely, then wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual, though the texture of the peppers might be slightly softer.
What kind of rice works best in this stuffed bell pepper recipe?
Long-grain rice, like Basmati or plain long grain, works best as it tends to stay fluffy and separate. Shorter grain rice can become a bit mushy in the filling. You can also experiment with other grains like quinoa or couscous for a twist, if you're feeling adventurous! Cook the rice separately according to the packet instructions before adding it to the filling.
I'm watching my weight, are stuffed bell peppers a healthy choice?
Stuffed peppers can absolutely be a part of a healthy diet! They're packed with vegetables and protein, but you can lighten them up by using leaner ground meat like turkey or chicken, using brown rice, and going easy on the cheese. Consider using less cheese or opting for a low-fat variety. You can also load up on extra veggies in the filling, like diced carrots or zucchini, to boost the nutritional content without adding too many calories.
Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Savory Beef and Rice Recipe Card
