Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers: a Weeknight Winner!
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction: From Oven to Instant Pot Magic!
- Stuffing Good! Prepping for Easy Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real
- Cooking Method: Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers – Weeknight Dinner Done Right!
- Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Stuffed Peppers!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, let's dive into these instant pot stuffed peppers! seriously, are you ready for the easiest, most satisfying dinner ever? i mean, who doesn't love stuffed peppers? but honestly, who has the time to bake them for an hour? this instant pot stuffed peppers recipe is a total game changer.
Recipe Introduction: From Oven to Instant Pot Magic!
Ever wonder where stuffed peppers came from? well, variations of this dish exist all over the world! but in the u.
S., it's become a classic comfort food. this version is super easy, takes about 45 minutes start to finish, and makes 4 generous servings.
Quick Hook
Craving something hearty and comforting? This instant pot stuffed peppers recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Think tender peppers, savory ground beef, and a zesty tomato sauce all cooked together in record time! My turkey delight of the week!
Brief Overview
Stuffed peppers have a long history, with many cultures having their own spin on the dish. our instant pot version makes it an easy recipe for the classic version.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe yields 4 servings and is surprisingly simple to make.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this thanksgiving turkey recipe is that it's packed with protein and veggies. it's a complete meal in itself! plus, it's perfect for a cozy fall dinner or any time you need a quick and satisfying meal.
It's what makes this recipe special.
Stuffing Good! Prepping for Easy Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving
Okay, so you'll need some colorful bell peppers i usually grab four, but any color works. a pound of ground beef (or ground turkey if you are feeling healthy), rice, corn, and a can of tomato sauce.
Oh, and don't forget the cheddar cheese if you're feeling extra indulgent!
First things first, chop those peppers and get the insides out of there. you know, like you're carving a mini jack-o'-lantern.
Then, sauté some onions and garlic in the instant pot. throw in the ground beef, brown it up, and season it with italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Trust me, the smell alone will get your mouth watering. this way you are ready to get one of the best thanksgiving turkey .
Alright, let's talk instant pot stuffed peppers ! honestly, i used to dread making these. they were always such a hassle on the stovetop.
But then? oh my gosh , the instant pot changed everything. seriously, these are now a weeknight staple. it's faster than ordering takeout!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't worry; it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
Main Players
- 4 large bell peppers (your call on color!).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (go for fresh, you know?).
- 1 pound ground beef (but hey, maybe you want to try a turkey delight !).
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 cup cooked rice (leftover rice works great, just saying).
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen's fine).
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but why not?).
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce.
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water.
Quality check : ground beef should be bright red. avoid anything that looks gray or smells funky. if you are feeling adventurous, this is a great time to add some flavor to your thanksgiving 2022 , with a best thanksgiving turkey , try ground turkey to the filling.
This can be one of the easy turkey recipes thanksgiving !
Seasoning Shenanigans
Italian seasoning is your best friend here. it brings that warm, cozy flavor. want a little kick? add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Trust me. and for all the easy thanksgiving turkey lovers out there, adding a dash of sage is a secret weapon.
Want to make easy turkey recipes ? use it with ground turkey. if you are looking for some roast turkey recipes , look no further! ground turkey will be your best thanksgiving recipes !
The Tool Shed
- Instant Pot (6-quart or bigger).
- Cutting board.
- Knife.
- Mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Trivet (the little rack thing for the Instant Pot).
Don't have a trivet? No sweat! Crumple up some aluminum foil into balls and use those as a makeshift trivet. We've all been there, right?
Okay, let's do this! i'm so ready to spill the beans on my instant pot stuffed peppers recipe. seriously, these are a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights.
We've all been there, right? staring into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner. well, say hello to your new best friend: the instant pot.
And say hello to instant pot stuffed peppers . they're colorful, delicious, and surprisingly easy.
Cooking Method: Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers Weeknight Dinner Done Right!
Honestly, guys, these instant pot stuffed peppers are a game changer. they're like a warm hug on a plate, and the instant pot makes it all so simple.
We’re talking tender peppers filled with a savory mix, all cooked in record time. forget slaving over the stove let's get these peppers poppin'! and hey, with thanksgiving just around the corner, why not try a smaller, deconstructed version of these as a fun appetizer?
plus, you can totally use leftover thanksgiving 2022 turkey in the filling.
Seriously, talk about repurposing!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place & Safety First!
First things first, let's get organized. It’s all about the mise en place, you know? This means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Essential mise en place: Chop one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Cook one cup of rice beforehand. Measure out all your spices and other ingredients. Having everything ready saves a ton of time.
- Time saving organization tips: I like to chop all my veggies at once and keep them in separate containers. It's a total lifesaver! You can even do this the night before.
- Safety reminders: When working with raw ground beef, make sure to wash your hands and all surfaces thoroughly afterward. And be careful when handling the hot Instant Pot!
step-by-step Process: From Prep to Plate in Minutes!
Alright, let's get cooking! Follow these super simple steps for perfect Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers.
- Prep the Peppers: Cut off the tops of the four large bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the Instant Pot, use the "Sauté" function to heat the one tablespoon of olive oil . Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3- 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add one pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season & Combine: Stir in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, one half teaspoon of salt, and one quarter teaspoon of black pepper . Add one cup of cooked rice, one half cup of corn, and one half of the (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the mixture into the peppers.
- Pressure Cook: Pour the remaining tomato sauce and one half cup of beef broth into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside and carefully arrange the stuffed peppers on top.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on "Manual" for 8 minutes .
- Natural Pressure Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes , then quick release any remaining pressure. Sprinkle with one half cup of shredded cheddar cheese , if desired, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Stuffed Pepper Success
Okay, now for the real insider tips! These will take your Turkey Delight Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers to the next level.
- Don't Overcook: Eight minutes is the perfect time! Overcooked peppers get mushy. Trust me, nobody wants mushy peppers.
- Common mistake to avoid: Forgetting to drain the grease from the ground beef. It can make your peppers greasy and not as flavorful. We all have done it at least once, right?
- make-ahead options: You can totally prep the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and cook them when you're ready. You can even prepare an Easy Thanksgiving Turkey filling with all the traditional seasonings for a unique twist!
Seriously, give these instant pot stuffed peppers a try. they’re so easy, and you might even find yourself making a thanksgiving turkey recipe filling for a super fun variation.
Who knows, maybe you'll create one of the best thanksgiving recipes with a clever twist! for super easy recipes check out more easy turkey recipes.
Enjoy and bon appétit.
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of making these instant pot stuffed peppers ! think of this as the "extra credit" section.
It's all about making this dish your own and getting the most out of it.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Stuffed Peppers!
Serving 'Em Up Right: Plating & Pairings
Honestly, presentation matters! place each pepper on a plate. drizzle with a little extra tomato sauce. a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil? oh my gosh, chef's kiss! as for sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
Or, go full comfort food with a slice of garlic bread. because dipping is a must! maybe even add a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt.
For drinks, think something light and refreshing. maybe some iced tea. whatever floats your boat! also consider adding mashed potatoes as an option to your thanksgiving 2022 meal for best thanksgiving recipes .
Storage Hacks: Keep 'Em Fresh
Got leftovers? lucky you! they taste even better the next day. pop them in an airtight container and they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
For longer storage, you can freeze them, too. wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag.
They'll last for up to 2 months . reheating is easy. just microwave them or bake them in the oven until heated through.
Remember turkey delight , is as good after a few days.
Remix Time: Variations for Every Palate
Want to shake things up? of course, you do! for a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or quinoa.
It's equally satisfying. going low-carb? use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. and for a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Or a diced jalapeño! you know?
To make it an easy thanksgiving turkey dish, swap ground beef with seasoned ground turkey for easy turkey recipes thanksgiving .
For more easy turkey recipes during thanksgiving, substitute the tomato sauce with cranberry sauce. for other roast turkey recipes for thanksgiving turkey recipe , use turkey broth instead of beef broth.
It can be the best thanksgiving turkey recipe that could be made with turkey.
Nutrition 101: Fueling Your Body
Okay, let's talk numbers. each serving of these instant pot stuffed peppers clocks in around 350 calories. you're also getting about 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbs.
Remember those numbers are just an estimate. and the exact macros will vary depending on the ingredients you use. but, these peppers are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
They're a total win-win. easy thanksgiving turkey !
So, there you have it! you got this. these instant pot stuffed peppers are seriously so easy and flavorful. don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.
You know? happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my Instant Pot stuffed peppers from getting mushy?
Nobody wants a soggy pepper! The key is not to overcook them. Eight minutes on high pressure is usually perfect. Also, make sure to use the natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes; this gentle approach helps the peppers retain their shape and texture, rather than exploding like a firework display.
Think of it as a gentle simmer instead of a boil.
Can I make Instant Pot stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Stuffed peppers are great for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them (uncooked) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they're going straight from the fridge to the Instant Pot.
It's like prepping your sandwiches for a picnic the night before!
What are some fun variations I can try with this Instant Pot stuffed peppers recipe?
Let your inner chef shine! For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for lentils or quinoa and add some black beans for extra protein. Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño in the filling.
And don't be shy with the cheese Monterey Jack or even a little crumbled feta can add a lovely dimension. Think of it as putting your own signature on a classic tune!
How should I store leftover Instant Pot stuffed peppers?
Leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! Let the peppers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They'll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
They're just as good the second time around, like re-watching your favorite episode of The Great British Baking Show.
Are these Instant Pot stuffed peppers healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Instant Pot stuffed peppers can be a very healthy and balanced meal! They are packed with vegetables, protein, and can be made with brown rice for added fiber. To keep them even healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and load up on the veggies!
It's all about making smart choices like swapping out white bread for wholemeal small changes, big impact!
Can I use frozen ground beef for Instant Pot stuffed peppers, or does it need to be thawed?
Using frozen ground beef is a bit tricky but can be done. You will need to first brown the ground beef using the sauté function, breaking it up as it thaws. This adds some extra cook time.
It is typically recommended to thaw the ground beef beforehand for more even cooking and easier handling, as it is like trying to herd cats otherwise.
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers A Weeknight Winner
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |