Name: Amazing Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers 4 Easy Steps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers, any color; 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken); 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

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Delicious Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Family Favorite

Oh, the comfort of a home-cooked meal! And when it comes to dishes that truly warm the soul, my Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers are right at the top of the list. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a hug on a plate. I remember making these with my Nonna back in Italy. The vibrant colors of the peppers always made our kitchen feel so alive. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. My own children now see these stuffed peppers as a sign of special occasions. They’re so versatile and always disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

You’ll adore these Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers for so many reasons. They are incredibly simple to make. Even on busy weeknights, you can whip them up. Plus, they are super adaptable. You can swap out the meat or add extra veggies. Everyone loves them, from little ones to grown-ups. The flavor combination is just perfect. Tender peppers meet a savory, herby filling. It’s a guaranteed hit every time.

A Taste of Tradition: My Italian Roots

My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen. She made the most amazing stuffed peppers. The aroma filled our small Italian village. She always said good food comes from the heart. This recipe is my tribute to her. It carries the essence of those cherished family meals. Using fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques makes all the difference. It’s a taste of my heritage I’m thrilled to share with you.

Gather Your Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Let’s get cooking! To make these delightful Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers, you’ll need a few key players straight from your pantry or the grocery store. First up, grab four large bell peppers – any color works beautifully, so pick your favorites! You’ll also need one pound of ground meat. I often use beef, but turkey or chicken are fantastic choices too. Don’t forget one onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of garlic, minced. For that classic Italian-American flavor, we’ll use one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, one cup of cooked rice, one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Of course, salt and pepper to taste are essential. And if you love a cheesy topping, have about half a cup of shredded cheese ready. It’s that simple to gather everything for a wonderful meal.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

When choosing your bell peppers, look for ones that are firm and have a nice, vibrant color. This helps them hold their shape during baking. For the meat, feel free to experiment! If you prefer a lighter dish, ground turkey or chicken are excellent options. For my vegetarian friends, cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu make a hearty and delicious filling. You can also jazz things up by adding extra veggies like sweet corn or diced zucchini to the mix. It’s all about making these Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers your own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Now for the fun part – bringing these beautiful Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers to life! I’ll walk you through each step. You’ll see how easy it is to create this crowd-pleasing dish. We’ll start with prepping the peppers. Then, we’ll whip up a savory filling. Finally, we’ll assemble and bake them to golden perfection. Get ready for some delicious aromas to fill your kitchen!

Preparing the Bell Peppers

First, let’s get our pepper vessels ready. Preheat your oven to a nice 375°F (190°C). Take your bell peppers and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. You want to remove all the seeds and the white membranes inside. A spoon works great for scraping them clean. This ensures every bite is pure flavor.

Crafting the Flavorful Filling

Now, let’s make the heart of our stuffed peppers. Grab a skillet and put it over medium heat. Add your ground meat. Cook it until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. While the meat cooks, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the meat until the onion is soft and clear. This step builds so much flavor. Next, drain off any excess fat from the skillet. You don’t want a greasy filling. Stir in the tomato sauce, that cooked rice, and our herbs: oregano and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix it all up gently. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.

Assembling and Baking Your Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Time to assemble! Carefully spoon the meat mixture into each prepared bell pepper half. Don’t be shy; fill them up generously! Arrange the stuffed peppers snugly in a baking dish. Pour a little water or broth into the bottom of the dish. This helps keep the peppers moist. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake them for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil. Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese, if you’re using it. Pop them back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success with Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Want your Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers to be absolutely perfect? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! When picking peppers, look for ones that are firm and stand up straight. This helps them hold their delicious filling better. To avoid soggy bottoms, I sometimes par-boil the pepper halves for just a minute or two before stuffing. This gives them a head start on cooking. Also, adding a little liquid, like water or broth, to the bottom of your baking dish before covering with foil helps steam the peppers. This ensures they become wonderfully tender without drying out. Trust me, these small steps make a big difference!

Serving Suggestions and Storage for Your Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

These Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they do love some company! I often serve them with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. It adds a lovely freshness. Sometimes, we have them with a side of crusty bread. That’s great for soaking up any extra sauce. If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also gently reheat them in the microwave. Enjoy every last bite!

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Got questions about making these amazing Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers? I’m here to help! Many people ask about variations. Can you make them vegetarian? Absolutely! My notes mention using cooked lentils or firm tofu as a fantastic substitute for the meat. Another great question is about adding more veggies. Feel free to toss in corn, zucchini, or even some finely chopped mushrooms into the filling. What if I don’t have rice? Cooked quinoa or even breadcrumbs can work in a pinch. Some folks worry about the peppers getting too soft. Par-boiling the peppers briefly before stuffing can help keep them slightly firmer. If your peppers are very large, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. These stuffed peppers are so forgiving! They are perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Enjoy experimenting with your perfect batch!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer for Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Please remember that the nutritional values provided for our Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers are estimates. They can change based on the specific ingredients you use, like the brand of tomato sauce or the type of cheese. We aim for accuracy, but your kitchen’s results may vary slightly. Enjoy your delicious, home-cooked meal!

Amazing Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers 4 Easy Steps

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these delicious Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. They offer a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large bell peppers, any color
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
In a skillet, brown the ground meat with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Fill the bell pepper halves with the meat mixture.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
Cover the baking dish with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle with cheese, if using.
Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite type of ground meat.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu.
Add other vegetables like corn or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American