Hearty Homemade Stuffed Green Peppers
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something proper comforting? Like, proper old-school? Well, these stuffed green peppers with ground beef are just the ticket. They remind me of Sunday roasts at my Nan's!
Quick Hook
Think classic stuffed peppers recipe , but better . We're talking savoury ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce that'll have you licking your plate. Seriously, what's not to love?
Brief Overview
These homemade stuffed green peppers are a true taste of home. They’re originally from around the world and it's the ultimate comfort food! This recipe is medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make.
It yields 6 servings perfect for the whole fam.
Main Benefits
This recipe is a great source of protein and veggies. It's the perfect dish for a chilly evening, or anytime you need a big hug in a bowl.
It's not just food. It’s a memory. You know? What makes these comfort food stuffed peppers extra special? That’s the love you add while making them, innit!
Okay, right then! Let's whip up a batch of SEO-friendly . It's time to grab your ingredients! You know, the stuff to make these stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice actually happen! The easy stuffed peppers recipe starts now.
Ingredients & Equipment for Stuffed Green Peppers With Ground
Okay, right then! Let's get down to brass tacks. Making classic stuffed peppers recipe starts with getting your bits and bobs in order.
Honestly, prepping is half the battle. So, what's needed for proper homemade stuffed green peppers ?
Main Ingredients: Let's Get 'Em Lined Up
- 6 large green bell peppers (choose firm, vibrant ones)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml) – for sautéing, naturally
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (450g) - 80/20 blend is ideal for flavour
- ½ cup cooked long grain rice (approx. 100g) – day-old rice works best
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (410g)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (curly or flat leaf, up to you!)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 50g)
For the beef, quality matters. Look for a good colour and marbling. Ground beef stuffed peppers needs that rich flavor. Using leaner beef? Add a touch more olive oil when browning.
Seasoning Notes: Bangin' Flavours
For a stuffed pepper variations , consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It will bring some heat. Basil and oregano are your backbone.
Don't skimp. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can amp up the umami, too! You know? For a stuffed peppers tomato sauce that sings, try adding a teeny bit of balsamic vinegar to brighten things up.
Brown sugar is your best friend here.
If you're missing fresh herbs, dried will do in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Silly!
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 inch / 23x33 cm)
- Small saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
You don't need fancy gadgets for easy stuffed peppers recipe . A good old skillet and baking dish will do the trick.
Don't have a baking dish? A sturdy oven safe casserole dish will work just fine. No small saucepan? Just use a small pot.
My grandma always said, "The best meals are made with love, not expensive equipment." She made the best comfort food stuffed peppers , I swear! Baked stuffed peppers are a family classic and it must be perfectly baked.
I remember one time I tried to use an old baking dish and it cracked in the oven. What a disaster! The peppers were fine, but the oven was a mess.
Always check your equipment is oven safe!
Right then, armed with your ingredients and gear, you're ready to tackle some proper stuffed peppers with rice . Let's get cracking!
Hearty Homemade Stuffed Green Peppers: A Classic Done Right
Oh my gosh, stuffed green peppers! Honestly, who doesn't love a good classic stuffed peppers recipe ? These are like a warm hug on a plate.
This recipe isn't just any recipe; it's like the comfort food stuffed peppers your Nan used to make, but with a bit more pizzazz.
These stuffed green peppers with ground beef will take you straight back to Sunday dinner. We will take it one step at a time.
This easy stuffed peppers recipe isn't intimidating. Trust me, even if you're a bit of a klutz in the kitchen, you can nail this.
The secret's in the details, but don't worry, I'll walk you through it. Remember that cooking should be fun, not a chore!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Okay, right then! Let's whip up a batch of SEO-friendly , shall we?
First things first, the all-important mise en place . Chop your 1 medium yellow onion and mince your 2 cloves of garlic .
Trust me, having everything ready to go makes a world of difference. Get out your 1 pound ground beef , 1/2 cup cooked rice , (14.
5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes , and all those lovely herbs and spices. Safety reminder: keep your fingers away from the sharp bits!
For time saving, I like to chop all my veggies while the oven is preheating to 375° F ( 190° C) .
It saves a bunch of time later. Also, measure out all your spices ahead of time. Honestly, doing it this way is a game changer.
step-by-step: From Prep to Plate
- Halve those 6 large green bell peppers lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and membranes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion until it softens. Then add your minced garlic and cook until it smells amazing.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned all over. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any extra grease, no one likes greasy peppers!.
- Stir in your cooked rice, diced tomatoes, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes , stirring every now and then.
- While that's simmering, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy). Bring it to a simmer.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper half. Don't be shy, really stuff them in there!
- Arrange the baked stuffed peppers in your baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over them. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 15- 20 minutes , until the peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle with the 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and bake for another 2- 3 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You know?, so the flavours get a chance to properly mingle.
Pro Tips: Secret Stuffed Pepper Skills
To avoid a soggy bottom, parboil the peppers for 3 minutes before stuffing. It makes them softer and less likely to be crunchy.
A common mistake is overstuffing the peppers. It can cause them to burst during baking. Leave a little room at the top.
If you want to, this is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice!
For a bit of make-ahead magic, you can assemble the peppers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Then, just bake them when you're ready to eat.
Alright, give these bad boys a whirl and let me know how it goes! The combination of juicy ground beef stuffed peppers and aromatic rice smothered in rich tomato sauce has my mouth watering already.
These truly are the ultimate homemade stuffed green peppers .
Okay, right then! Let's dive into a few recipe notes for these stuffed green peppers with ground beef. Honestly, these are more like friendly tips to help you nail it every time.
After all, we're aiming for comfort food stuffed peppers perfection, aren't we?
Recipe Nuggets of Wisdom
How to Serve Like a Pro
Right, let's talk presentation. A few sprigs of fresh parsley on top makes a world of difference. Seriously! Plating these classic stuffed peppers recipe is easy.
Serve these babies straight from the oven, or after a little rest. A dollop of sour cream? You betcha! Crusty bread is also a must for sopping up that delicious tomato sauce from these stuffed peppers tomato sauce .
For sides, keep it simple. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness of the ground beef stuffed peppers . Or how about some roasted garlic potatoes? That would definitely complement this homemade stuffed green peppers recipe!
Storing Like a Champ
Leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them into an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days .
If you're thinking long term, freezing works a treat. Wrap each pepper individually in cling film, then bung 'em in a freezer bag.
They'll keep for up to 2 months . When reheating from frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Remixing the Classics: Stuffed Pepper Variations
Fancy a change? This easy stuffed peppers recipe is super versatile. If you're watching your carbs, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.
Boom! Keto friendly stuffed peppers with ground beef and rice !
For a veggie twist, use lentils or quinoa instead of ground beef. It's a cracking stuffed pepper variations option! During autumn and winter, roast some butternut squash and stir it into the filling for a seasonal treat.
Nutrition Lowdown
Each serving of these baked stuffed peppers is roughly 350 calories . You're getting about 25 grams of protein , a good whack of vitamins from the peppers, and fibre from the tomatoes and rice.
These stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice are a winner! It’s food that makes you feel good.
So there you have it! Armed with these extra tips, you're ready to make stuffed green peppers with ground beef that are out of this world.
Go on, give it a go. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My stuffed green peppers with ground are coming out watery. What am I doing wrong?
Nobody wants soggy peppers! This usually happens when there's too much moisture in the filling or the peppers themselves. Make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the ground beef.
You can also try pre-cooking your green peppers slightly by blanching them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water before stuffing and baking to release some of their moisture.
Can I make stuffed green peppers with ground ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, you see.
Absolutely! Preparing the stuffed peppers in advance can be a real lifesaver, especially when you're hosting. Assemble the peppers completely, but don't bake them. Cover them tightly with cling film and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to cook, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through, a bit like adding time to your pudding when using a slow cooker.
I'm not a fan of green peppers. Can I use a different type of pepper for these stuffed green peppers with ground?
Of course! While green bell peppers are classic, feel free to experiment. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are sweeter and will add a different flavor dimension to your dish. You could even use poblano peppers for a bit of a kick, although bear in mind these are a little spicier.
Just make sure they're large enough to hold the filling.
How long do leftover stuffed green peppers with ground last in the fridge?
Leftover stuffed peppers are usually good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave them, but for the best texture, consider reheating them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This will help to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Can I freeze my leftover stuffed green peppers with ground?
Yes, you can! Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely. Then, wrap each pepper individually in cling film, followed by a layer of foil, or place them in a freezer safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is there a way to make this stuffed green peppers with ground recipe healthier?
Definitely! Use leaner ground beef (90/10 blend) to reduce the fat content. You can also swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. Load up on veggies by adding chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling. Consider using low-fat cheese or skipping it altogether.
It's all about making small tweaks that suit your dietary needs.
Hearty Homemade Stuffed Green Peppers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |