At Taco And Pina , we’re always on the lookout for meals that check all the boxes: delicious, easy to make, and loved by everyone at the table. That’s why stuffed peppers have become a staple in our kitchen—they’re versatile, budget-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying. But what makes them truly special? Let’s dive into the details and discover why this classic recipe has earned its spot as one of our fan favorites.
Prepping Peppers: Simple Yet Essential
Preparing peppers for stuffing is a breeze. With a quick slice off the top and a gentle scoop to remove the core and seeds, you’re ready to fill them with your favorite ingredients. Don’t worry if a few seeds linger—it adds character to the dish!
To Cook or Not to Cook?
While you can precook peppers, we prefer stuffing them raw. Why? Raw peppers are easier to fill and maintain their texture after baking. Plus, it saves you time in the kitchen!
The Filling: Classic Comfort with Endless Possibilities
In our timeless recipe, we opt for a hearty mixture of beefy tomato rice and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. But feel free to get creative! Swap out the beef for your preferred protein and experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your taste buds. From Greek-inspired to vegetarian-friendly options, the sky’s the limit!
Perfectly Baked
Baking stuffed peppers is a breeze. Cover them with foil for the first 35 minutes to allow the peppers to steam and soften, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese topping.
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Prep Ahead for Ease
Need to get ahead on dinner? No problem! Prep your peppers and filling a day in advance, then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. It’s meal prep made easy!
Share Your Stuffed Pepper Success!
Did you give our recipe a try? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts with us.
Recipe: Classic Stuffed Peppers
- Yields:6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time:1 hour 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 419
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
– 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
– Kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small saucepan, cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook onion until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer until liquid has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Arrange peppers cut side up in a 13″x9″ baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Spoon beef mixture into each pepper. Top with cheese and cover with foil.
5. Bake peppers until tender, about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until cheese is bubbly, about 10 minutes more.
6. Top with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy Your Flavorful Creation!
With its hearty filling, melty cheese topping, and tender pepper shell, this classic stuffed pepper recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Give it a try and elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Stuffed Peppers FAQ’s
Q: What makes stuffed peppers such a popular meal choice?
A: Stuffed peppers are loved for their versatility and ability to hold a variety of fillings. They’re hearty enough to satisfy hunger and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Q: Should I cook the peppers before stuffing them?
A: While you can precook peppers, we recommend stuffing them raw for ease of filling and to retain their texture after baking. However, if you prefer softer peppers, you can blanch or partially cook them before stuffing.
Q: Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep stuffed peppers a day in advance by cutting and coring the peppers and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the filling separately and store it in another container. When ready to serve, simply fill the peppers and bake as directed.
Q: What variations can I try with stuffed peppers?
A: The filling options for stuffed peppers are endless! You can swap out the ground beef for other proteins like turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives. Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
Q: How long should stuffed peppers be baked?
A: In our classic recipe, we bake stuffed peppers for a total of 45 minutes: 35 minutes covered with foil to allow the peppers to steam and become tender, then an additional 10 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese and achieve a golden topping.
Q: How can I share my stuffed pepper success with Delish?
A: We’d love to hear about your stuffed pepper adventures! Feel free to leave a comment below the recipe or share your creations on social media using the hashtag #DelishRecipes. Your feedback helps us continue to provide delicious recipes for our readers.
Q: Can I customize the recipe to suit my dietary needs?
A: Absolutely! Our stuffed pepper recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils or beans, and using dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Adjust seasonings and ingredients according to your preferences and dietary restrictions.
Q: How can I ensure my stuffed peppers turn out perfectly?
A: Follow the recipe instructions carefully, but don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Pay attention to the baking time and temperature to achieve tender peppers and a deliciously melty cheese topping. And most importantly, enjoy the process and savor every bite of your homemade creation!