Grandmas Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers
Grandma's Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Modern Twist!
Fancy a bit of comfort food ? These stuffed bell peppers are like a warm hug from your grandma. Honestly, who doesn't love a good bell pepper recipe?
These are Bell Pepper Recipes that remind me of Sunday dinners. My nan used to make something similar, and it was always a winner.
This version is simple, hearty, and packed with flavour.
From Nanna's Kitchen to Yours
Stuffed bell peppers have been around for ages. They're a classic in many cultures, especially in Italian cuisine. My recipe is a loving nod to those traditions.
It's a medium difficulty meal, taking around 1 hour 10 minutes to make. This recipe yields four servings, perfect for a family dinner, making it one of the best weeknight dinner ideas .
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These healthy stuffed bell peppers aren't just delicious, they are filling. They are packed with protein. The ground beef and rice combo is satisfying.
Plus, it is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Making this one of your Bell Pepper Recipes Healthy .
It's budget friendly meals and a crowd pleaser for any occasion. This Italian stuffed peppers recipe is special, because its simplicity highlights fresh ingredients.
Ready to get started? Next, we have the ingredents that you will need.
Right, let's dive into what you need for this stuffed bell pepper recipe ! Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have knocking about.
These are gonna be Grandma's Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers . Trust me, they're a banger!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Here's a breakdown of what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not rocket science!
- Bell Peppers: You need 4 large bell peppers. Any colour will do, whatever takes your fancy! Halve them lengthwise and de-seed them.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml). This helps with steaming in the oven.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup or 150g.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). 80/20 blend is fab, but whatever you've got is grand.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried. A real flavor enhancer!
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5 ounce (411g) can, undrained.
- Tomato Sauce: One 8 ounce (227g) can.
- Cooked White Rice: 1/2 cup (100g). Long grain or medium grain, whatever floats your boat. Day-old rice is absolutely spot on!
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded.
Seasoning Notes
Italian seasoning is the key here! It’s got oregano, basil, rosemary. Oh my gosh, it’s essential for that authentic flavor.
You know? If you haven’t got any, just mix equal parts dried oregano, basil, and rosemary. A pinch of red pepper flakes is also a great way to spice up this Italian stuffed peppers recipe .
It's budget friendly meals , really, and all about convenience, innit?
Equipment Needed
Right, what bits of kit do you need?
- Large Skillet: For browning the beef.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking those healthy stuffed bell peppers .
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all the filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping those veggies.
- Cutting Board: Protect your surfaces!
If you haven't got a proper baking dish, use any oven safe dish. It'll do the trick. This turns into an easy casserole if you want! These bell pepper recipes are a dream.
This Comfort food recipes are such weeknight dinner ideas .
Cooking Method: Grandma's Hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe !
Right then, let's talk cooking! Today we are doing a stuffed bell pepper recipe ! Think back to those comforting smells wafting from Grandma's kitchen.
I’m talking pure comfort food recipes goodness, but with a modern twist. Honestly, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned stuffed pepper.
It's a winner winner weeknight dinner ideas chicken dinner or beef in this case. And guess what? It's totally budget friendly meals !
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic!
First things first, get your "mise en place" sorted. That fancy French term just means "everything in its place." Chop one medium yellow onion.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Get 1 pound of ground beef ready. Measure out 1/2 cup of cooked rice. Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
Open a 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes and an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce. Shred 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
You’ll thank me later! Time saving organization tips are key in my book!
step-by-step: Let's Get Stuffing!
This is where the magic happens, so pay attention, alright?
- Halve 4 bell peppers lengthwise. Remove the stems and seeds. Drizzle the insides with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened. About 5 minutes . Then, add the minced garlic for another minute.
- Brown 1 pound ground beef in the same skillet. Drain any grease.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Then, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes .
- Remove from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cooked rice and 1/4 cup parsley.
- Spoon that delicious mixture into the 8 bell pepper halves. Mound it high!
- Arrange the stuffed pepper casserole in a baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom. Cover with foil and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30 minutes .
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella, and bake for another 10- 15 minutes . Until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This could make it an easy casserole .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pepper Game
Want to make the best ground beef stuffed peppers ever? Here’s my secret: parboil the peppers for about 5 minutes before stuffing them.
This makes them extra tender. Also, don't overfill the peppers or the stuffing will spill everywhere. Trust me, I've been there.
You can use day-old rice; it holds its shape better. This can also be made the day before. You can store them in the fridge make-ahead options .
When you are ready you can bake it, it makes for the best meal.
Honestly, this Italian stuffed peppers recipe is proper lush. It’s a healthy stuffed bell peppers recipe twist on a classic.
Plus, you can swap ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a veggie option. Happy cooking! Try these delicious bell pepper recipes healthy .
And Remember. Don't forget to check out more bell pepper recipes !
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe!
Right then, let's talk shop about my Grandma's Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe . I’ve tweaked it a bit, but the heart of it is still there.
And honestly, it's proper lush. You won't believe it!
Serving 'Em Up Right
So, you’ve got these gorgeous Italian stuffed peppers recipe fresh out of the oven. How do you make them look the business? Presentation is key, innit? I like to serve each stuffed bell pepper half on a bed of rocket salad.
This gives a lovely pop of colour. Maybe a drizzle of balsamic glaze? Fancy, eh?
As for sides, simple is best. Garlic bread is always a winner. Especially for soaking up all that lovely tomato sauce.
Or a fresh green salad. Keeps things nice and light. Drinks wise, a glass of red wine is always welcome. Though a chilled lemonade works a treat too.
My mate Sarah swears by a Peroni, strangely enough.
Storage Sorted
Right, let's say you've got leftovers. First of all, well done! Because normally, they're all gone in one go. But if you do, here’s the lowdown.
Pop them in an airtight container. Into the fridge they go. They'll be good for up to three days .
Freezing? Yeah, you can do it! Wrap each pepper individually in cling film. Then into a freezer bag. They’ll happily sit there for up to three months .
To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge. Then bake in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Microwaving works too. If you’re in a rush, but the peppers might go a bit soggy.
Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? No problem! This stuffed bell pepper recipe is mega versatile.
Want it veggie? Swap the ground beef for lentils. Or crumbled tofu. Sorted! Need it Healthy stuffed bell peppers ? Easy peasy.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Reduce the amount of cheese or swap it out for a low-fat version.
Got a glut of courgettes? Dice them up and add them to the filling. Seasonal bell pepper recipes are the best! You could even chuck in some sweetcorn for added sweetness.
Nutrition Notes
Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly rabbit food. But it's not terrible either. Each serving has around 380 calories .
Loads of protein (about 30g ). So it'll keep you full. There's also fiber (around 3g ). Which is good for your gut.
The key benefits? It's a decent source of vitamins and minerals. From the veggies and tomatoes. And the protein helps build muscle.
Plus, it's blooming tasty. So it’s good for your soul! These are perfect weeknight dinner ideas and you can make it a budget friendly meal !
So there you have it! My top tips for the best stuffed bell pepper recipe ever. Go on, give it a go! You won't regret it.
And remember, cooking should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And don't forget that this can easily be made as a stuffed pepper casserole or an Easy casserole .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stuffed bell pepper recipe ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with foil and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through. Think of it as your own little "ready, steady, cook" pre-prepared meal!
Help! My stuffed peppers are always soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Soggy peppers are a common problem, but easily fixed! Make sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef. You can also parboil the peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them this softens them and helps release some of their moisture.
And don't forget to bake them covered for part of the time to help them steam gently.
I'm vegetarian. What's a good substitute for the ground beef in this stuffed bell pepper recipe?
No worries, going meat free is a doddle! Lentils or crumbled tofu make excellent substitutes for ground beef. Brown the lentils or tofu with the onions and garlic, and follow the recipe as normal. You could also add some chopped mushrooms or walnuts for extra texture and flavour.
It's a brilliant way to keep things interesting!
How long can I store leftover stuffed peppers, and what's the best way to reheat them?
Leftover stuffed peppers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave them for a couple of minutes, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of water to the dish will keep them moist. Good as new!
Can I freeze these stuffed bell peppers? I fancy batch cooking!
You certainly can freeze them! To freeze, bake the stuffed peppers as directed, then let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed until heated through. Now that is what I call a great plan!
I'm watching my calories. Are there any healthier twists I can make to this stuffed bell pepper recipe?
Absolutely! To lighten things up, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber. Use a low-fat mozzarella or skip the cheese altogether, and load up on veggies like diced zucchini or mushrooms in the filling. Every little bit helps!
Grandmas Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 380 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
