Description
Classic Mexican stuffed peppers bring robust flavors from traditional ingredients. Savory bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pepper Preparation: Trim bell pepper tops, eliminating seeds and membranes. Optional technique involves briefly blanching in boiling water, then rapidly cooling in ice bath to enhance tenderness.
- Meat Foundation: Sear ground beef in skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Incorporate finely diced onions and garlic, cooking until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Flavor Fusion: Blend cooked rice into meat mixture, introducing diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasonings. Gently fold ingredients to create a robust, harmonious filling.
- Assembling Vessels: Carefully pack pepper shells with meat-rice mixture, ensuring compact and even distribution. Drizzle remaining tomato sauce across peppers to create moisture and depth.
- Roasting Process: Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting peppers during cooking. Roast in preheated oven, allowing flavors to develop and meld for approximately 35 minutes.
- Cheese Finale: Remove foil, lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese over peppers. Return to oven, baking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding vibrant color and herbal essence. Serve immediately to capture peak flavors and optimal texture.
Notes
- Selecting Peppers: Choose firm, vibrant bell peppers with thick walls for optimal stuffing and structural integrity during baking.
- Prepping Peppers: Briefly blanch peppers in boiling water to soften texture and reduce baking time, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
- Meat Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent soggy filling and maintain a consistent, hearty texture.
- Flavor Customization: Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg