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Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Sara Collins
If you love warm and cozy meals, this Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is perfect for you. It is simple, tasty and full of rich homemade flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 339 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bell Peppers

  • Slice the tops off each bell pepper carefully. Remove all seeds and white parts from inside. Rinse them well under cold water. Set them aside to drain.

Cook the Rice

  • Cook the rice according to package instructions. Let it simmer until soft and fluffy. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Heat the Skillet

  • Place a large skillet on the stove. Add olive oil and heat over medium heat until warm but not smoking.

Cook the Meat

  • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until fully browned. Break it apart while cooking so it stays crumbly and even.

Add Onion and Garlic

  • Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Stir well. Cook for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Sauce

  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and evenly mixed.

Season the Filling

  • Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well so the seasoning spreads evenly throughout the mixture.

Add the Cooked Rice

  • Add the cooked rice into the skillet. Mix everything together until the rice and meat filling are fully combined.

Stuff the Peppers

  • Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper. Press down gently so they are filled completely to the top.

Prepare the Baking Dish

  • Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Make sure they sit straight and do not tip over.

Cover With Foil

  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep the peppers soft and moist while baking.

Bake the Peppers

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes. The peppers should become tender but still hold their shape.

Add Cheese on Top

  • Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use firm bell peppers, so they hold shape while baking.
  • Do not overcook the rice to keep the filling fluffy.
  • Add more spices if you enjoy stronger flavors.
  • Cover the peppers with foil to keep them moist.
  • Add a little sugar to the sauce if tomatoes taste acidic.
  • Try using yellow or orange peppers for sweeter flavor.
Keyword Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe