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Hearty Classic Stuffed Peppers

This hearty stuffed pepper recipe features tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, offering a delicious taste of comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Stuffed Pepper Ingredients
  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 pound ground beef Use 80/20 beef for optimal flavor and juiciness.
  • 1 cup cooked rice White rice or other cooked variants can be used.
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz) Ensure it's gluten-free if required.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • as needed splash Olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice off the tops of each bell pepper and scoop out the seeds.
Cooking
  1. In a cast iron skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned (about 7-8 minutes).
  4. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until heated through.
  5. Stuff the hollowed bell peppers with the beef and rice mixture.
  6. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil, add shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For healthier options, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef, or adding spinach/zucchini for extra fiber. Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer.