Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and cheese, all baked to perfection. This classic recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal for your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium green peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 (6 7/8 ounce) box of Rice-a-Roni mix, Spanish flavor
- 1 (16 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes (for use in making the rice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or 1 cup American cheese
Directions:
- Prepare Peppers: Remove tops and seeds from peppers; parboil peppers for 5 minutes and drain.
- Prepare Filling: Combine ground beef and onion and cook together until done. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Rice: Prepare Rice-A-Roni according to package directions. When rice is done, combine it with the beef and onion. Fill peppers with rice mixture.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix the 1 teaspoon of sugar with the tomato sauce and pour this AROUND the peppers (not over).
- Bake Peppers: Cover the baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes and then uncover and top with the shredded cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes more to melt the cheese. Serve with the tomato sauce.
Tips:
- Make sure to parboil the peppers before filling and baking them to ensure they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans for added flavor and texture.
- Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
These stuffed bell peppers are a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a delicious combination of tender peppers, savory beef, and cheesy rice filling, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the aroma and taste of homemade comfort food with this simple and delicious recipe!
- Can I use a different type of pepper besides green peppers?
- Yes, you can certainly use different colored peppers such as red, yellow, or orange. Each color of bell pepper offers a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to choose your favorite or mix them for a colorful presentation.
- Can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the stuffed bell peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before baking according to the recipe instructions.
- Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
- Yes, stuffed bell peppers can be frozen for future meals. After assembling the peppers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions.
- Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a meatless alternative such as lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings and cooking times accordingly based on your choice of meat or meat substitute.