Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These Italian Stuffed Peppers are packed with flavor, bursting with fresh ingredients, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas, resulting in a truly delightful dish. It's one of those best recipes that's both impressive and achievable, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
- 6 large bell peppers (a mix of colors is beautiful!), halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a vegetarian substitute like lentils)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a delicious base for your stuffed peppers.
Brown the meat (or substitute): Add the ground beef (or sausage or lentils) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using lentils, ensure they are well cooked before adding them to the skillet.
Combine the filling: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper half with the meat and tomato mixture. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.
Bake to perfection: Pour the water or broth into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly.
Tips for the Best Italian Stuffed Peppers:
- Choosing your peppers: Select firm, brightly colored bell peppers for best results. A mix of colors adds visual appeal to your dish.
- Pre-cooking the rice: Using pre-cooked rice ensures the filling doesn’t become overly soggy during baking.
- Adjusting the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes for a super quick weeknight dinner.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like chopped zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms in the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or provolone cheese over the stuffed peppers during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Meatless marvel: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of lentils, drained and rinsed, for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for personalized results.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Italian Stuffed Peppers! This easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal the whole family will love. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and delicious dishes. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire of best recipes.