Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down to pack the filling tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top each with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips
For a burst of additional flavor, consider mixing in some cooked corn or black beans into the stuffing mixture. If you’re short on time, you can also use quick-cooking rice or pre-cooked ground beef. To make this recipe even easier for beginners, prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate.
Storage Instructions
These stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well. Simply wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Pairings
These delightful stuffed peppers pair beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh, crisp green salad. For a perfect beverage pairing, enjoy with a glass of red wine or a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
