Green peppers are a staple in kitchens around the world, celebrated for their vibrant color and crisp texture. These versatile gems can elevate any dish, offering a fresh burst of flavor and a healthy dose of nutrients. From sizzling stir-fries to hearty stuffed peppers, there are countless ways to enjoy them.
This collection of recipes will inspire you to explore the delicious possibilities green peppers bring to your table. Get ready to add a pop of green to your meals and savor the taste of healthy ingredients!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the tops of the green bell peppers and discard the seeds and ribs. Place the peppers cut side down in a 9″x13″ baking dish and add 1 1/2 cups of water to the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- While the peppers are baking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned and crumbled. Stir in chopped onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Incorporate cooked rice, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Mix in 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese until everything is well-combined.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and drain the water. Carefully turn the peppers over and fill them with the beef and rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the stuffed peppers.
- Cover the dish with foil again and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, and the peppers are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for 5 minutes, then enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 6 green bell peppers, select ones that are uniform in size
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef (90% lean preferred)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup of finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1.5 cups of cooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, used in portions
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
FAQ
- Do you need to boil the peppers before stuffing them?
- No, boiling the peppers before stuffing them isn’t necessary. You can pre-bake the peppers in the oven instead, which avoids using an extra dish. However, if you prefer, you can boil them.
- What accompaniments pair well with stuffed peppers?
- Stuffed green peppers can be a complete meal on their own, with vegetables, meat, rice, and cheese. However, they go well with a loaf of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Should stuffed peppers be covered while baking?
- Yes, it’s best to cover stuffed peppers for most of the baking time. This helps soften the peppers and prevents the filling from drying out. Uncover them in the final minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown.
- Can you prepare stuffed peppers in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the peppers and the meat filling ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to one day, then add the cheese and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- How long do leftovers of stuffed peppers last in the fridge?
- Leftover stuffed green peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining their flavor and texture.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are uniform in size and shape to ensure they cook evenly. If any peppers don’t stand upright, trim a small slice off the bottom to stabilize them.
- Use cooked rice for the filling; uncooked rice won’t have sufficient liquid to cook properly. Leftover rice works perfectly for this recipe.
- Opt for 90% lean ground beef to maintain flavor while minimizing grease. If using a fattier meat, remember to drain the excess grease after cooking.
- For better melting and flavor, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain preservatives and anti-caking agents.
Equipment
- 9″x13″ Baking Dish – This specific size may not be in every kitchen, especially if someone doesn’t bake frequently.
- Large Pan – A large pan is essential for preparing the filling, especially if you’re making the full recipe.
- Small Knife – To remove seeds and ribs from the peppers, though many people may already have this at home.
- Foil – Useful for covering the baking dish during cooking to ensure the peppers soften properly.
