Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and convenient meal prep solution? Look no further than freezing stuffed peppers! This recipe provides a fantastic way to enjoy this classic comfort food anytime, without the hassle of last-minute cooking. Freezing your stuffed peppers allows you to prepare a large batch in advance, saving you precious time on busy weeknights. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, providing a wholesome, homemade meal without the fuss. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 6 large bell peppers (any color you prefer – red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Fill each pepper half generously with the meat and rice mixture.
Step 4: Baking (for fresh consumption or pre-freezing)
- Place the stuffed peppers in a large baking dish. Add about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- If you're making them for immediate consumption, bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked through. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking (optional).
Step 5: Freezing for Later
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Important Note: Do NOT bake the peppers before freezing. This step is crucial for maintaining the quality of your frozen meal.
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Once you’ve filled the peppers, carefully place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Ensure there's minimal air inside the bag to prevent freezer burn.
Step 6: Cooking Frozen Stuffed Peppers
- When ready to eat, remove the frozen peppers from the freezer the night before or allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the thawed stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the dish.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until heated through and the peppers are tender.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or quinoa.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use Italian seasoning instead.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with aluminum foil.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: Approximately 20-25g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This recipe for freezing stuffed peppers provides a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal whenever you want. The convenience of having homemade meals readily available in your freezer is priceless. Enjoy!