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Savory Stuffed Peppers Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy savory stuffed peppers recipe perfect for cozy dinners, featuring a flavorful filling of ground meat, rice, herbs, and cheese baked inside tender bell peppers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, orange, or green)
  • 1 pound lean ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (no-sugar-added preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. Trim a small slice off the bottom if peppers wobble to keep upright.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
  5. Add ground meat, break it up, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Transfer meat mixture to a mixing bowl. Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir in chopped herbs and adjust seasoning.
  7. Stuff each bell pepper with the filling, packing gently but not too tight. Place upright in a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and peppers are tender.
  9. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overstuff peppers to avoid bursting. Use fresh, firm peppers for best results. Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture, removing foil near the end for melted cheese. Prepping filling a day ahead can save time. For smaller peppers, reduce baking time slightly. Substitute plant-based crumbles and nutritional yeast for vegetarian or dairy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, savory stuffed peppers, easy dinner, cozy dinner, ground meat recipe, baked peppers, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/savory-stuffed-peppers-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-dinner-idea/