Hearty Italian Stuffed Peppers a Weeknight Winner

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some Stuffed Peppers ? Honestly, who doesn't love a good Comfort Food Recipes classic? I'm talking about that warm, satisfying feeling you get with every bite.

I had these for the first time at my friend Gianluca's house. His Nonna made them. Mamma Mia! They were incredible.

Quick Hook: Bell Pepper Bliss

Are you looking for a dish that’s both comforting and colourful? My take on Italian Stuffed Peppers will be your new go-to.

Think sweet bell peppers, savory beef, and a touch of Italian magic.

A Culinary Hug in a Bell Pepper

Stuffed Bell Peppers have been gracing dinner tables for generations. They are found in many cultures. This version leans into the heart of Italian cuisine.

These are so easy. This is what makes it perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe makes 4 generous servings.

Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep.

Why These Filled Bell Peppers Are Special

One of the best things? It's packed with goodness! You get a good dose of protein and lots of nutrients.

These are perfect for a cosy night in. This Ground Beef Recipes and rice combo is so special. It brings a smile to your face with every mouthful.

Ready to get cooking? You'll need: 4 bell peppers (any colour, really). You'll also need some ground beef. And don't forget rice, tomatoes, and cheese! Let's move on to the ingredient list, shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these killer Italian Stuffed Peppers . Trust me, this isn't rocket science, but having the right gear and ingredients definitely makes a difference.

It's like having the right football boots for the perfect game, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Filled Bell Peppers

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, so, we're gonna need:

• 4 medium bell peppers (about 280g or 10oz each). Get a mix of colors for a bit of fun.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15ml ).
• 1/2 cup water or veg broth ( 120ml ). Chicken stock works too if you’re feeling naughty.
• 1 pound ground beef (or plant based ground) roughly 450g . Go for lean beef, trust me.
• 1 medium yellow onion (about 150g ), finely chopped. No one likes big onion chunks.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. The more the merrier, honestly.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning ( 5ml ).
• 1/2 teaspoon salt ( 2.5ml ).
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25ml ).
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes ( 410g ). Don’t drain ‘em, we want that juice!
• 1 cup cooked rice (long grain or brown, about 200g ). Leftover rice is perfect here!
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella ( 50g ). Get the good stuff, it melts better.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ( 10g ). Fresh is always better, innit?

For the bell peppers, you want them firm, with smooth, shiny skins. Avoid the ones that look bruised or wrinkly.

And for the beef, go for something around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. A little fat equals flavor.

Seasoning Notes: That Little Extra Something

Italian seasoning is key here, it's the soul of these Stuffed Bell Peppers With Rice . But don't be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of a kick, creating some Spicy Stuffed Pepper Variations .

A bay leaf simmered with the tomatoes adds a lovely depth, too.

If you don't have Italian seasoning, oregano and basil are a great sub. Or even a dash of garlic powder.

These are the essentials to making the perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef And Rice .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large skillet for browning the beef.
• 9x13 inch baking dish for baking the peppers.
• Cutting board and knife obviously.
• Measuring cups and spoons gotta be precise, mostly.
• Mixing bowl to combine the filling.

No fancy stuff needed, honestly! If you don't have a proper baking dish, a large oven safe casserole dish will do just fine. Don't sweat it, just get stuck in.

These Ground Beef Recipes and Bell Pepper Recipes make for a classic Comfort Food Recipes

Hearty Italian Stuffed Peppers: A Weeknight Winner!

Oh my gosh, you have to try these Italian Stuffed Peppers . Seriously, I know everyone's got their own go-to comfort food recipes , but these are a total game changer.

I like them so much better than those bland filled bell peppers you sometimes get. This is like a hug in a pepper, and a colourful way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Think about it, a classic dish that brings a bit of sunshine to dinner tables everywhere, reminiscent of Sunday roasts with a Mediterranean flair.

This recipe is a medium difficulty. While the steps are relatively simple, managing the multiple components requires some kitchen multitasking.

Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Success

First things first, mise en place , my friends! Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to roll. Honestly, this is the key to smooth cooking, especially with easy stuffed bell peppers ground beef and rice .

I usually chop the onion and mince the garlic before anything else, so it is out of the way. A little pre-game prep saves so much time later.

No need to pre-cook the peppers unless you want a super soft bell pepper recipes .

step-by-step: From Prep to Plate

Here’s how we turn these bad boys into dinner.

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Brown that ground beef (or your plant based alternative) in a pan. Remember to drain any excess grease.
3. Mix in your cooked rice and half your cheese with all of the ingredients. I like to use cooked rice.
4. Stuff those peppers! Pack the filling in tight.
5. Pop those stuffed bell peppers with rice in a baking dish. Add water or broth to the bottom. Cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes , then remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes more after sprinkling with the remaining cheese.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stuffed Peppers

Want to take your stuffed pepper variations to the next level? Try this: A little trick I've found useful, par-boil the peppers! If you want Italian Stuffed Peppers that are melt-in-your mouth tender, give them a quick 5 minute boil before stuffing.

Also, don't go overboard with the filling. They expand during baking! If you are planning ahead, prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge.

It’s perfect for those crazy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

Honestly, whether you go with the classic stuffed bell peppers ground beef or a vegetarian stuffed peppers version, this recipe is a winner.

Recipe Notes for Your Next Batch of Filled Bell Peppers

So, you're ready to tackle some seriously delicious Stuffed Peppers ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things I've learned along the way.

Think of these as little whispers of wisdom from someone who's definitely had their fair share of kitchen mishaps and triumphs.

Honestly, I've seen it all when it comes to Bell Pepper Recipes .

Level Up Your Plating

Presentation matters, right? Don't just slap those babies on a plate! A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top always looks fancy, even if it took you two seconds.

Arrange your Italian Stuffed Peppers on a bed of fresh greens for a pop of color. A simple side salad really brightens everything up.

And you know what? Some garlic bread is never a bad idea, honestly.

Storage Secrets: Keep Those Stuffed Peppers Fresh!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop those Stuffed Bell Peppers With Rice into an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for up to three days .

If you're thinking longer term, freezing works too. Wrap each pepper individually in cling film, then stash them in a freezer bag.

To reheat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Honestly, they're still pretty darn tasty.

Stuffed Pepper Variations : Mixing It Up Is Fun!

Feeling adventurous? Me too! These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef And Rice are begging for a twist. For a veggie version, ditch the Ground Beef Recipes and use lentils or quinoa.

Swap out the rice with couscous for a Mediterranean vibe. What about the cheese? If your diet restricts, try nutritional yeast instead.

I once made Stuffed Pepper Variations with leftover pulled pork... mind blowing!

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Let’s be real, these Stuffed Peppers are far from rabbit food! We are talking about Comfort Food Recipes after all.

Each serving packs around 450 calories, 30g of protein, and plenty of good stuff from the veggies. They're a complete meal, ticking all the boxes.

Not bad, eh?

Alright, you've got this! Now, go forth and create some amazing Stuffed Peppers . Don’t forget to tag me in your pics.

I can’t wait to see how your Stuffed Bell Peppers With Rice turn out!