Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings. Here’s a basic recipe for classic stuffed bell peppers:
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Ground beef or turkey (or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version)
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preference)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and any white membranes. Rinse them under cold water.
- Parboil the peppers: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the peppers and cook for about 3-5 minutes to soften them slightly. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
- Stuff the peppers: Place the parboiled peppers in a baking dish. Stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. You can use your favorite cheese or a combination.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or spices according to your taste preferences. Stuffed bell peppers make a hearty and satisfying meal that can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences.
