Stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized with a variety of fillings. Here’s a classic recipe for stuffed peppers with a savory beef and rice filling:

Ingredients:

For the stuffed peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey or pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the peppers

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottom of each pepper slightly to ensure they stand upright.

Step 2: Make the filling

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the filling: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Stuff the peppers

1. Fill the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in gently.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over and around the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the peppers

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake more: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Serving suggestions:

Serve stuffed peppers as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty stuffed peppers!