BEST CLASSIC STUFFED PEPPERS RECIPE
This recipe delivers classic, comforting stuffed peppers. Bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat (usually beef or a combination of beef and pork), rice, tomatoes, onions, and seasonings, then baked until tender and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers any color, tops and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can stand the peppers upside down to help drain any excess moisture.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Brown meat: Add the ground beef (or meat mixture) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine filling ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Don't overpack them but fill them close to the top.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish (you may need to add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Check for tenderness by piercing with a fork - they should give slightly.
- Add cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers hot.
Notes
- Peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper. Green peppers are traditional, but red, yellow, and orange peppers add color and a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Meat: You can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a combination of meats.
- Rice: Cook the rice ahead of time to save time.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce add flavor and moisture to the filling.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add other herbs and spices, such as chili powder, cumin, or paprika.