Delicious Savory Stuffed Peppers

In this recipe article, we will explore how to create a flavorful and filling dish with stuffed peppers. These savory peppers make for a delightful family dinner or a great addition to your holiday meal table.

Servings: 4 servings
Cooking time: Approximately 1 hour

Ingredients

• 6 large red bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
• 1 lb ground beef (or any type of ground meat you prefer)
• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably brown or wild rice for additional nutrients)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained and juice reserved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a richer flavor)
• Cheese of your choice, shredded (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping if desired)
• Lemon slices and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

To start preparing your stuffed peppers, preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then add minced garlic; continue cooking for another minute or two until fragrant.

Mix ground beef with cooked rice, reserved tomato juice from the can, salt, ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Taste this mixture to ensure that it has enough seasoning; adjust according to taste preference if needed.

1. Fill each hollowed-out bell pepper with about half a cup of the meat mixture, ensuring you pack them tightly so they hold their shape during baking.
2. Cover all stuffed peppers with remaining diced tomatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across all peppers as well. Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor and texture.
3. Place filled bell peppers into an oven dish. Pour the remaining reserved tomato juice from the can around the stuffed peppers to prevent them from drying out during baking.
4. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F for approximately one hour or until peppers are tender and thoroughly cooked through.

How to Know When Your Stuffed Peppers Are Done

While your stuffed peppers bake, you can prepare a fresh salad or vegetable side dish. To check if they're done, insert a fork into the center of one pepper; it should slide in easily without much resistance when the peppers are fully cooked.

Additional Tips & Variations

• If you want to add some heat without affecting overall flavor too much, incorporate diced jalapeños or other hot peppers into your meat mixture.
• For a vegan option, replace ground beef with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice. Adjust spices accordingly, perhaps adding a pinch more salt for better balance.
• To make these stuffed peppers ahead of time, prepare them up until the point where they go into the oven but do not bake them yet. Refrigerate overnight before baking; this allows flavors to meld together even better!

Conclusion

Savory Stuffed Peppers offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to various palates. Whether you're looking for something easy yet impressive enough to serve guests, or just want a tasty meal idea for your busy weeknight, these peppers are surefire winners.

Enjoy creating this dish with family members or friends – it's perfect for social gatherings too! Try different combinations of spices and ingredients based on personal tastes. Bon Appétit!