“stuffed peppers

Here’s a classic Stuffed Peppers recipe—easy, customizable, and perfect for a comforting dinner. These are bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of meat, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese, then baked until tender.

Classic Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4–6 bell peppers (any color)

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, sausage, or a mix)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Peppers:

   • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

   • If needed, trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand up.

   • Optional: Parboil the peppers in boiling water for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly, then drain.

2. Cook the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, sauté onion over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.

   • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

   • Stir in garlic, tomatoes, marinara sauce, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

3. Stuff the Peppers:

   • Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it in.

   • Place peppers in a baking dish (you can prop them up using foil or nestle them closely together).

4. Bake:

   • Cover dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.

   • Uncover, top with remaining cheese, and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve warm.

Make-Ahead / Freezer Tips:

• Assemble stuffed peppers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.

• Freeze uncooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15–20 extra minutes.

Variations:

• Low-carb: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice or extra meat/veggies.

• Vegetarian: Use black beans or lentils instead of meat.

• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or use spicy sausage.