Anyone Can Be A Chef With This Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Looking for a simple and flavorful weeknight dinner idea? These easy Italian stuffed peppers are perfect for a cozy meal packed with savoury ingredients.

With a hearty filling of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and melted cheese, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a favourite.

Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to suit any palate.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any colour)
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside. If they don’t stand up, trim the bottoms slightly to flatten.
2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Mix in the Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into the hollowed-out peppers. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing them upright.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch. Serve the stuffed peppers hot, alongside a simple salad or garlic bread.

Tips:

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
• You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Add some spice by mixing in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the filling.

This easy Italian stuffed pepper recipe is a delicious, comforting meal that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it’s customizable to fit whatever ingredients you have on hand. Happy cooking!