Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers sizzle with zesty flavors, promising a delightful culinary adventure. Hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering ensemble that will satisfy your dinner cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
Protein and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare rice, cooking it to a slightly firm consistency to prevent overcooking during baking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for approximately 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly until no pink remains, carefully draining any accumulated fat to maintain a lean filling.
- Incorporate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together during a brief 5-minute simmer.
- Carefully stuff bell peppers with the savory beef and rice mixture, ensuring even distribution and compact filling.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers, creating a melty, golden topping.
- Place peppers in a preheated oven at 400°F, covering with foil for the initial 35 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden cheese crust.
- Remove from oven and let peppers rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making them easier to serve.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish before presenting to the table.
Notes
- Undercook rice slightly to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring perfect texture in the final dish.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the stuffed peppers.
- Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian alternatives.
- Prep peppers by cutting tops and removing seeds completely for easier stuffing and more even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 51 min
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg