Bell Pepper Boats Easy Stuffed Peppers for a Weeknight Win
Bell Pepper Boats: Your Easy Stuffed Peppers {easy recipe!} for a Weeknight Win!
Ever find yourself staring into the fridge? Wondering what to conjure up for dinner? Here you go, a recipe that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavour: Stuffed Bell Peppers ! This isn't just any Stuffed Pepper Recipe , this is a ticket to a satisfying weeknight meal.
It's like giving your taste buds a warm hug, if that makes sense.
A Taste of Tradition
These Bell Pepper Boats are a twist on a classic comfort dish. Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe hails from many cultures, each with its unique spin.
This version is straightforward, using ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce for a hearty, delicious meal. This is a super Easy Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Expect to spend about 20 minutes prepping, 40 minutes cooking, and get 4 generous servings.
Why You'll Love These
Forget boring dinners! These Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a brilliant way to sneak in extra veggies. Plus, ground beef provides a good source of protein for a Healthy Beef meal.
It's the perfect Comfort Food Recipe for a chilly evening or any time you're craving something warm and satisfying. It also makes a fantastic Weeknight Dinner Recipe and is one of the best Stuffed Pepper recipes around.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and adaptability feel free to tweak it to your liking!
Alright, now for the good stuff the ingredients you'll need!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Stuffed Bell Peppers {easy recipe!}
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks, yeah? Here you go, a breakdown of what you'll need to make these easy stuffed peppers .
No need to stress it's all pretty straightforward.
Main Players
- Bell Peppers: 2 big ones. Any colour you fancy. We're talking about roughly 200-250g each. Bigger is better, because more room for yummy filling! Get ones that stand up nicely, you know?
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (that's about 454g for those playing along at home). Don't skimp on the fat content too much, or it'll be dry.
- Onion: One medium, about 150g , chopped up small.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Cooked Rice: ½ cup (around 100g ). Leftovers are perfect here. Saves you time!
- Tomato Sauce: One can ( 15 ounces , which is 425g ).
- Cheddar Cheese (optional, but highly recommended): ½ cup ( 50g ), shredded.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, to taste. Makes it look fancy, innit?
When picking your beef, look for a good colour bright red is best. Don't get the grey stuff. And for the peppers, make sure they're firm and shiny, not wrinkly.
Seasoning Notes
We're keeping it simple, but tasty.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). This is your base.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).
- Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe are waiting to be tasted!
Honestly, don't be afraid to chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Or some smoked paprika, for that matter. You know?
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here, promise.
- A big skillet. For browning the beef, naturally.
- A 9x13 inch baking dish.
- A mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Can't bake without those, can ya?
No fancy equipment needed for this Stuffed Pepper Recipe . A 9x13 inch is perfect for these Bell Pepper Boats . You can use a casserole dish if you don't have one.
Just make sure it's oven safe. Got all that? Right, let's get cooking! You're almost ready to make the Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe ever.
Let's Get Stuffing: Easy Stuffed Peppers!
Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of comfort food ? And if you can sneak in some veggies at the same time? Winning! That's where this recipe comes in.
These Stuffed Bell Peppers {easy recipe!} are simple, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner recipe . I reckon even your nan would be asking for seconds! Here you go, one of my favorite stuffed bell peppers recipe .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place . Basically, get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It’s like lining up your troops before the battle… or, you know, before dinner! Dice one medium yellow onion .
Mince two cloves of garlic . Cook ½ cup rice ahead of time. This bit is essential to save time later.
step-by-step: From Prep to Plate
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Halve and seed your 2 large bell peppers . Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil , and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon pepper . Then add 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce and the cooked rice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the bell pepper halves.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Add the optional ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stuffed Peppers
Want to make these ground beef stuffed peppers extra special? Here's a tip: Brown the beef with a dash of paprika and a little brown sugar for an amazing flavor boost.
Trust me on this one!
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the peppers . You want them tender, not mushy. To avoid this, pierce them with a fork to check for doneness.
They should be soft but not collapsing.
Leftovers are your friend! Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the Bell Pepper Boats earlier in the day and bake them just before serving.
Who doesn’t love a make-ahead meal? You've got this!
Recipe Notes for the Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe
Right, let's talk about the little things. You know, the bits and bobs that make a good recipe great. These notes are here to help you nail this Stuffed Bell Peppers {easy recipe!} .
I promise, it's easier than getting a decent cup of tea in some places!
Serving Suggestions: Bell Pepper Boats Edition
Presentation matters, right? I like to arrange these Bell Pepper Boats on a plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
It's fancy ish, but takes no effort. Easy Stuffed Peppers should look good. For sides, a simple green salad is always a winner.
Garlic bread? Don't mind if I do. Or how about some roasted asparagus? Lovely!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Honestly, these are just as good the next day.
- Refrigeration: Pop them in an airtight container. They'll be grand for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Yep, you can freeze them! Wrap each pepper half individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Oven is best. But a microwave works in a pinch. Just make sure they're piping hot. Safety first, innit?
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? I got you.
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for lentils or black beans. Still hearty, still delish.
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of normal rice. Boom!
- Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the filling.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the skinny. These Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a good source of protein. Plus, you're getting veggies from the bell peppers and fiber from the rice.
Not bad for comfort food recipe , eh?
So there you have it! All my little secrets for making the perfect Stuffed Pepper Recipe . Now get in the kitchen and give it a go! I reckon you'll be chuffed with the results! Here you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Stuffed Bell Peppers {easy recipe!} ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing these bell peppers in advance is a great shout if you're short on time during the week. Simply assemble the stuffed peppers, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
What's the best way to store leftover Stuffed Bell Peppers {easy recipe!}?
Leftover stuffed bell peppers are like a lovely packed lunch waiting to happen! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C), or even slice them up and fry them for a quick and tasty brunch.
Delish!
Can I freeze these Bell Pepper Boats?
Freezing is indeed an option! Let the baked stuffed bell peppers cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as you would leftovers, adding a touch of fresh cheese on top if desired.
What are some tasty variations I can try with this easy stuffed peppers recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! If you're vegetarian, swap the ground beef for lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute. Fancy a bit of spice? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the filling.
You could also experiment with different cheeses mozzarella, feta, or even a dollop of creamy goat cheese would be brilliant.
I'm watching my carbs. How can I make these Stuffed Bell Peppers {easy recipe!} healthier?
No worries, this recipe is easily adaptable! Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce the carb content. You could also increase the amount of vegetables in the filling think diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Using leaner ground turkey or chicken instead of beef will also cut down on the fat content.
My peppers always seem a little soggy. Any tips for preventing this?
Soggy peppers are a proper letdown, aren't they? To avoid this, try par-baking the bell pepper halves for about 10 minutes before stuffing them. This will help them release some of their moisture. Also, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked beef filling before spooning it into the peppers.
A sprinkle of breadcrumbs at the bottom of each pepper can also help absorb moisture.
Bell Pepper Boats Easy Stuffed Peppers For A Wee
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 20g |
