Hearty Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers

This filled bell pepper recipe is like Nonna's, but easier! Ground beef & rice stuffed peppers in a rich tomato sauce. An Italian comfort food classic. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's dive into this!

Hearty Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Family Favorite

Remember those weeknight dinners growing up? for me, a filled bell pepper recipe always meant comfort. honestly, mum's classic stuffed peppers recipe was legendary.

This recipe tries to capture that same feeling, but with a bit more italian amore .

This stuffed peppers recipe brings italy to your plate. these colorful beauties burst with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, herbs, and a touch of tomato sauce, all baked to perfection.

This isn't just dinner this week ; it's a hug in a pepper!

About This Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe

These classic stuffed peppers are inspired by traditional italian flavours. this recipe takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and the difficulty level is medium.

This recipe yield is for 6 servings. the leftovers are even better the next day. i'm talking next-level health dinner recipes for lunch!

Why You'll Love These Stuffed Pepper

These easy stuffed pepper recipe makes a great health dinner recipes . imagine the delight when you serve a beautiful dish you created and your family appreciates.

It's perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. it's that good, and it makes this particular stuffed pepper recipe special.

Now, let's get to the ingredients for rice stuffed peppers .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazingly delicious filled bell pepper recipe . honestly, getting the right ingredients is half the battle, innit? this ain't just any old stuffed peppers recipe ; it's the best stuffed pepper recipe you'll ever try.

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Your Gear On!

First, let's talk about what you'll need. i learned this from a disaster involving the spillage on the hob after having guests arrive with a mere ten minutes notice.

It was a disaster to say the least.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Alright, here's the lowdown on the ingredients. I like to keep things simple, yeah ?

• Bell Peppers: You'll need 6 medium bell peppers. Go for assorted colours if you wanna be fancy, but any will do. Make sure they're firm and unblemished. Nobody wants a soggy pepper!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality stuff is key for flavour.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ). Makes the base tasty.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best, mate.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 ( 28 ounce/800g ) can. Don't skimp on the quality, it makes a difference.
• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds depth of flavour.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Essential for that Italian touch.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon . Another must-have herb.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick if you're feeling brave.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound ( 450g ). Go for lean if you're watching the waistline.
• Cooked White Rice: 1 cup ( 200g ). Long-grain works best.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), grated. Oh my gosh, the flavour.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup ( 25g ), chopped. Adds a touch of freshness.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. Helps bind the filling.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything .

These measurements will allow you to cook the classic stuffed peppers recipe and not be disappointed. this will also work well as an easy stuffed pepper recipe .

The rice and ground beef combination will give you the ground beef rice delight in your mouth, with the ground beef and rice , you can serve it to a wide variety of audiences.

You can put this on your custom menu .

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up

A little sprinkle here and there can make the whole thing pop!

• Spice Combo: Oregano and basil are essential for that Italian flavour.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes and the right parmesan.
• Substitutions: If you haven't got fresh parsley, use dried. I won't tell anyone, promise.

Equipment Needed: Your Arsenal

You don't need fancy gadgets for this classic stuffed peppers recipe . Just the basics.

• Large Skillet: For browning the meat and making the sauce.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
• Baking Dish: ( 9x13 inch/23x33cm ). To bake those beauties.
• Knife & Cutting Board: Self-explanatory, really.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements.

A good set of cooking equipment can help with Health Dinner Recipes . So why not include the stuffed pepper as the star of your dinner this week ?

And there you have it! all the bits and bobs you'll need to whip up this easy stuffed peppers meal.

Next, we'll get to the fun part, which is putting it all together, and start creating the stuffed peppers recipe .

Alright, let's get cracking! stuffed peppers , as we call 'em stateside, are a classic. you know? they're hearty, flavorful, and a great way to use up leftover ingredients.

I'm aiming for a recipe with a touch of italian flair. it's like something you'd find at your nonna's. if she had a blog!

Hearty Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Family Favorite

This filled bell pepper recipe brings italy right to your table! think colorful bell peppers filled with ground beef, rice, herbs, and tomato sauce.

Baked to perfection. perfect for dinner this week, even better as leftovers. get ready to impress, even with this easy stuffed pepper recipe .

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic

Honestly, mise en place is key! Get everything prepped before you even think about turning on the hob.

Essential Mise en Place

First, wash those 6 bell peppers (assorted colours are fun!). then, finely chop 1 medium yellow onion , mince 2 cloves garlic , and grab that 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes .

Get 1 pound ground beef , 1 cup cooked rice , 1/2 cup parmesan cheese , and 1/4 cup chopped parsley ready too.

Don't forget that 1 large egg !

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Chop the veggies while the rice cooks. Honest to God, it saves time. Batch prep! Then, measure out all your spices. Boom.

Safety Reminders (Chopping Edition)

Mind your fingers when chopping! Sharp knives are safer. You know? Less force needed.

Step-by-Step Process: From Prep to Plate

Okay, here’s how to make this amazing classic stuffed peppers recipe . I learned it the hard way.

1. Prep the Peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and scoop out the seeds. Like cleaning a pumpkin!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook 5 minutes . Add garlic and cook for 1 minute .
3. Brown the Beef: Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off the fat.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes , 1/2 cup beef broth , and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes .
5. Prepare the Filling: Mix 1 cup cooked rice , 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , 1/4 cup chopped parsley , and 1 large egg .
6. Combine & Stuff: Add 1 cup of the sauce to the filling. Stuff the peppers. Pack that ground beef rice in!
7. Arrange and Bake: Place peppers in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over.
8. Bake: Cover with foil. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30 minutes . Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes . The best classic stuffed peppers ever, really.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Stuffed Pepper Game

Here are my secret weapons for taking this stuffed pepper to the next level.

• Par-boil for softness: If you like super-soft peppers, par-boil them for 5 minutes.
• Day-old rice rocks: Day-old rice keeps the filling from going mushy. Trust me on this one.
• Taste and adjust! Seasoning is key. A pinch of this or that can make all the difference.

So, there you have it! my best stuffed pepper recipe ! perfect for a health dinner recipes , a custom menu , or just a cozy night in.

Make sure to try out this easy stuffed peppers ! enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Killer Filled Bell Pepper Recipe

Okay, so you're ready to dive into this classic stuffed peppers recipe . brilliant! but before you get your gordon ramsay on, let’s chat about a few things that'll make your life easier and your stuffed pepper experience epic.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)

Honestly? these bad boys are pretty amazing on their own. but if you're feeling posh, a simple side salad is always a winner.

I'm talking leafy greens, maybe some tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. it cuts through the richness of the classic stuffed peppers .

Crusty bread? oh my gosh, yes! perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. don't forget to try the best stuffed pepper recipe

For drinks, i reckon a nice glass of italian red would be perfect. chianti, maybe? or even a chilled pinot grigio.

If you want a custom menu for the family, try a beef recipes easy and you'll see it's a health dinner recipes for a dinner this week .

Storage Tips: Leftovers are Your Best Mate

Right, so you've made a massive batch. good on you! leftover stuffed peppers are the best. just pop them in an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? yep, you can freeze these, no probs. wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for a couple of months. when you're ready to eat, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Just watch they don't go mushy!

Variations: Get Creative with Your Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Fancy a bit of a change? No sweat!

• Veggie Vibes: Swap out the ground beef and rice for lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian easy stuffed pepper recipe . Throw in some chopped mushrooms and zucchini too.
• Spice It Up: Feeling brave? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling. Boom! I love the rice stuffed peppers .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

These aren't just tasty, they're pretty good for you too! we're talking roughly 350 calories per pepper, packed with protein and fibre.

You know, one of the health dinner recipes , so, go on, have seconds! i always liked the ground beef rice combination.

Right then, that's all you need to know! get in that kitchen and make this easy stuffed peppers recipe shine.

You’ve got this! can't wait to hear how your filled bell pepper recipe turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this filled bell pepper recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, stuffed peppers are often even better the next day. You can assemble them completely, store them covered in the fridge, and then bake them just before serving. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time, maybe 10-15 minutes, to ensure they're heated through. It's a bit like planning for Sunday roast on Saturday night - always a good shout!

What's the best way to store leftover filled bell peppers?

Leftover stuffed bell peppers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven (covered with foil) or in the microwave. They're perfect for a quick and easy lunch during the week – much better than another shop-bought sandwich!

I'm vegetarian; can I still enjoy this filled bell pepper recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Simply swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, crumbled firm tofu, or a mixture of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You might also consider adding some vegetarian sausage crumbles for extra flavor and texture. It's all about putting your own spin on it, innit?

How can I prevent my stuffed bell peppers from being soggy?

No one likes a soggy stuffed pepper! To avoid this, be sure to drain any excess grease from the browned meat. Using day-old rice in the filling also helps absorb moisture. You can also par-boil or roast the peppers for a few minutes before stuffing to remove excess moisture and give them a head start in softening. Just don't overcook them at this stage!

Can I freeze this filled bell pepper recipe?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed bell peppers, although the texture of the peppers might change slightly after thawing. Allow the peppers to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag or airtight container. For best results, use within 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed or microwave until heated through. It's a bit like batch cooking for a busy week ahead!

What kind of rice works best in this stuffed bell pepper recipe, and can I use another grain?

Long-grain white rice, like basmati, generally works best because it holds its shape well. But feel free to experiment! Brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous can be used as substitutes. Keep in mind that different grains will absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of sauce in the filling accordingly. Think of it like choosing the right bread for your sarnie – it makes all the difference!

Previous Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Better Than Your Local!
Next Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot: Easiest Comfort Food!