Stuffed bell pepper recipe

Stuffed bell peppers are a culinary delight that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of ground beef, sausage, and cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up fresh garden peppers, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The traditional components of this recipe include ground beef and sausage, garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, and cheddar cheese. The addition of chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce elevates the flavor profile, while the brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes. This recipe is easy to customize and makes a fantastic make-ahead meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers, of roughly equal size
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ lb. ground beef
• ½ lb. ground Italian sausage, spicy or mild
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt/Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, I love Rao’s
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1.5 cups cooked rice
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the top off of the peppers and remove the seeds/membranes. Place them top-side-down in a casserole dish with water. Cover and steam them for 20 minutes. Remove the water and place the peppers back in the casserole dish.

2. Prepare the Filling: While the peppers steam, prepare the meat/sauce/rice mixture. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Once browned, add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Add Tomato Sauce and Broth: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.

5. Combine with Rice: Stir in the cooked rice and brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Fill the Bell Peppers: Remove the peppers from the oven and fill each pepper with the meat/sauce/rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the peppers.

7. Bake the Peppers: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

8. Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Top Tips

1. Choose the Right Peppers: Select bell peppers that are roughly equal in size so they cook evenly.

2. Steam Before Filling: Steaming the peppers before filling helps them retain their shape and makes them easier to fill.

3. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to your taste.

4. Use High-Quality Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor to the dish.

5. Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the filling and fill the peppers up to a day in advance, then bake when you’re ready.

6. Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cumin or paprika to give the filling an extra boost of flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling for an extra kick of heat.

2. Greek Twist: Replace the Italian sausage with Greek sausage and add some feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.

3. Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground beef alternatives and replace the cheese with vegan cheddar shreds.

4. Mexican Flavor: Add some cumin, chili powder, and diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Mexican-inspired filling.

5. Seafood Stuffed Peppers: Mix in some cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes:
This recipe is a balanced meal that combines protein from the ground beef and sausage, carbohydrates from the rice, and fiber from the bell peppers. The cheese adds a rich source of calcium, while the tomato sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes. This dish is also relatively low in fat, making it a healthier option for a weeknight dinner.