Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy

Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy: Your New Weeknight Dinner Hero

Are you searching for a delicious, comforting meal that won't keep you slaving away in the kitchen for hours? Look no further! This fantastic Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy version is exactly what you need. It's hearty, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. If you've been intimidated by stuffed peppers before, prepare to be amazed by how straightforward this process actually is.

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food for a reason. They offer a perfect balance of tender vegetables, savory meat, and flavorful rice, all baked together under a blanket of cheesy goodness (if you choose to add cheese, which we highly recommend!). We've broken down this recipe into super manageable steps, ensuring even beginner cooks can achieve dinner success.

Why Choose This Easy Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe?

Many traditional recipes require extensive pre-cooking of the filling or lengthy prep time. However, our focus is squarely on making this process as smooth as possible. By simplifying the prep work and utilizing smart cooking techniques, we cut down the hands-on time significantly.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It serves as an excellent foundational guide. You can easily substitute the beef for ground turkey, make it vegetarian by increasing the bean content, or even use different colored bell peppers if green isn't your favorite—though green peppers offer that classic, slightly bitter edge that complements the sweet filling so well. It truly is the ultimate quick and satisfying meal.

• Minimal Pre-cooking: We mix most ingredients raw, saving you time at the stove.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common, inexpensive ingredients like ground meat, rice, and pantry staples.
• High Satisfaction: Delivers a balanced, complete meal that the whole family will love.
• Excellent Leftovers: Stuffed peppers taste fantastic the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Green Pepper

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure your kitchen is stocked. Having everything measured and ready is the secret to making this Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy live up to its name. We suggest using medium to large green bell peppers, ensuring they stand upright easily.

Key Ingredients for the Filling

The flavor profile comes from a simple but powerful combination of meat, rice, and savory tomato sauce. For the absolute best results, use good quality ground beef (80/20 mix is ideal for flavor).

• 6 large Green Bell Peppers
• 1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
• 1 cup Cooked White Rice (day-old rice works great!)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce, divided (we use 1/2 cup for the filling, the rest for the sauce)
• 1/4 cup Ketchup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar), optional topping
• 1 cup Water or Beef Broth (for the bottom of the pan)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Stuffed Green Peppers Easy and Fast

Follow these steps exactly, and you will have perfectly cooked, moist, and delicious stuffed peppers every time. Remember, the key to the 'easy' factor here is efficiency!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Prep the Peppers (See H4 below).
3. Mix the Filling (See H4 below).
4. Stuff the Peppers generously with the meat and rice mixture.
5. Place the stuffed peppers open-side up in the baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce with the ketchup (if using) and spread or pour a small spoonful over the top of each stuffed pepper.
7. Pour 1 cup of water or beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates steam, ensuring the peppers soften beautifully and the filling stays moist.
8. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through (the internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F/71°C).
9. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
10. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy!

Prepping the Peppers

First, wash your peppers thoroughly. Use a sharp knife to slice off the top 1/2 inch of the pepper, discarding the stem (you can save the tops and chop them up to add to the filling if you like!). Next, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. If your peppers won't sit flat, slice a tiny piece off the very bottom so they have a sturdy base, being careful not to cut through the pepper wall.

Many recipes call for boiling the peppers first. We skip this step! Baking them in a moist environment (thanks to the water in the pan) ensures they get tender without the fuss of blanching.

Mixing the Filling

This is where the magic happens. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Since the meat is raw, make sure you mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until everything is evenly combined.

It's crucial to use cooked rice here. While some recipes call for uncooked rice, using cooked rice ensures the filling doesn't swell too much during baking, leading to a much better texture and guaranteeing that the rice is perfectly done when the meat is cooked.

Baking to Perfection

Oven temperature and baking time are critical for ensuring the filling is safe and the pepper is soft. If you notice the tops of your peppers or the filling getting too dark before the pepper is tender, simply cover the baking dish loosely with foil. This traps the moisture and prevents scorching.

Always check the tenderness of the pepper with a fork; it should pierce easily. Once they are soft and the internal temperature of the meat is correct, pull them out. Let them rest, allowing the internal juices to settle, resulting in an even more delicious final dish.

Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Flavor

Want to take this already great meal to the next level? A few minor adjustments can dramatically enhance the depth of flavor. These little secrets will ensure your stuffed peppers taste gourmet, even though you used a truly Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy approach.

Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling for a deep, smoky note. Alternatively, if you prefer a sharper flavor, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar in the tomato sauce base at the bottom of the pan can cut through the richness beautifully.

• Sauté the Aromatics: While we skip pre-cooking the meat, quickly sautéing the chopped onion and garlic before adding them to the raw meat filling enhances their sweetness and mellows their raw bite.
• Use Broth: Swapping the water for beef or vegetable broth in the bottom of the pan adds another layer of savoriness to the steam bath.
• Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 can of drained black beans and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a savory meat-free version. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.

Ultimately, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table tonight!

Whether you are a busy parent, a student, or just someone looking for a great meal without the fuss, this Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy method is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of peppers besides green?

Absolutely! Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter and cook slightly faster. However, green peppers offer the most classic flavor profile that cuts through the richness of the filling.

Do I have to use cooked rice, or can I use uncooked rice?

While some recipes use uncooked rice, we highly recommend using cooked rice for this easy method. Uncooked rice requires more liquid and time to expand, which can dry out the filling or overcook the meat. Using cooked rice ensures everything finishes perfectly simultaneously.

How long can I store leftover stuffed peppers?

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze them! You can either freeze them raw (before baking) or cooked. If freezing raw, place the stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and bake from frozen for about 1.5 hours, covered, or until heated through. If freezing cooked peppers, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat.

Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe Easy

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