STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish large enough to hold all the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the green peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers under cold water and set them aside.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a separate saucepan, prepare the Rice-a-Roni mix according to the package instructions, using the can of tomatoes instead of water. Once the rice is cooked, combine it with the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the rice and beef mixture into each prepared pepper, filling them to the top.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and sugar. Pour the sauce over the stuffed peppers, covering them evenly.
- Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta, to add a unique flavor twist.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat in the dish by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the filling mixture.
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value of the dish by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the filling mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the Rice-a-Roni mix with cauliflower rice or shirataki rice. Additionally, use a sugar-free tomato sauce to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the carb content of the dish by using fewer tomatoes in the rice mixture and opting for low-carb vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms as part of the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different color of bell peppers? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a colorful variation. Each color of bell pepper offers its own unique flavor profile and adds visual appeal to the dish.
Q: Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze leftover stuffed peppers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed peppers for future meals. Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free rice mix or substituting cooked quinoa for the Rice-a-Roni mix. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add additional spices or herbs to the filling mixture? A: Of course! Feel free to customize the flavor of the filling by adding herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme, or spices such as cumin or paprika, according to your taste preferences.
In conclusion, our Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a delightful blend of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, these stuffed peppers are guaranteed to be a hit. With their vibrant colors, hearty filling, and gooey cheese topping, they’re a satisfying and delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress with these mouthwatering stuffed peppers at your next meal!
