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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stuffed Peppers
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your stuffed peppers are ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Cut the tops off your bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside. You can choose to leave the stem intact for presentation, but it’s not necessary. Place the peppers in a baking dish, standing up, ready to be stuffed.
3. Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), oregano, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Stuff the Peppers
Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are packed. Fill them generously but leave a little room at the top for the cheese.
5. Bake in the Oven
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes to allow the peppers to cook and soften. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once your stuffed peppers are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Making Perfect Stuffed Peppers
- Customize Your Filling: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Add More Veggies: If you’d like to increase the veggie content, try adding some diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling.
- Make Ahead: Stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time if baking from cold.
- Try Different Grains: Instead of rice, feel free to use quinoa, couscous, or farro for a different texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This oven-baked stuffed peppers recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Plus, you can customize the filling to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs, making it versatile and easy to adapt. The combination of tender peppers, savory filling, and melty cheese is comfort food at its best!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than these stuffed peppers. They’re the perfect balance of delicious ingredients and are sure to become a family favorite in no time. Try this best stuffed peppers recipe for yourself—you won’t regret it! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, these peppers will quickly become a go-to dish for both ease and taste. Enjoy!
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