Elevate your dinner game with this Hearty and Wholesome Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe, a delightful combination of savory ground beef, nutty brown rice, and juicy tomatoes, all encased in a sweet bell pepper shell. This meal not only bursts with flavor but also packs a nutritional punch, offering a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables. Topped with a generous sprinkle of melted Cheddar Jack cheese and a hint of freshly chopped parsley for garnish, these stuffed peppers are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving a comforting meal at home, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1½ cup cooked brown rice
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 7 large bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your peppers will be perfectly cooked, with a tender yet firm texture.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat as necessary.
- Mix the Filling: To the skillet with the beef, stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the bell peppers by removing their tops and cores, creating hollow vessels ready for stuffing.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity. Arrange the stuffed peppers standing up in a baking dish. If any peppers are unstable, slice a small portion off the bottom to create a flat base.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the top of each pepper with shredded Cheddar Jack cheese, and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy these Hearty and Wholesome Stuffed Bell Peppers as a main dish that will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Perfect for any day of the week, this dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.