These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and optional toppings makes for a satisfying meal. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 6 medium green bell peppers (you can also use red, yellow, or orange peppers for variety)
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (6.8 oz) box of Rice-a-Roni Spanish flavor (or another flavored rice mix)
- 2 cups water (or as directed on the rice box)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (optional, for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the bell peppers in the boiling water and parboil them for 3-5 minutes. This helps soften them.
- Drain the peppers and set them aside to cool.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a skillet, prepare the Rice-a-Roni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook it until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the cooked rice and mix it well with the beef and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Press the filling down slightly to ensure they’re packed well.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing them upright.
- Add Toppings (Optional):
- Spoon a bit of tomato sauce over the top of each stuffed pepper for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are fully tender.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve the stuffed peppers warm. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Variety of Peppers: You can mix and match different colors of bell peppers for a vibrant dish.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed peppers can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute or skip the meat and add extra vegetables, beans, or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Enjoy these delicious stuffed bell peppers as a filling meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!
