Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these stuffed peppers! This recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional rice-stuffed peppers, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. We're ditching the rice for a lighter, equally satisfying filling packed with vegetables and protein. Get ready to enjoy a vibrant and healthy meal the whole family will love! These easy recipes are perfect for homemade cooking and offer a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you like!)
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken (lean ground beef works too!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine the Filling: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, corn, and zucchini to the skillet. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
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Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into the prepared pepper halves.
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Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and keep the peppers moist. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
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Add Cheese (Optional): During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers:
- Choose your peppers wisely: Select firm, brightly colored bell peppers for the best results.
- Don't overfill: Overfilling the peppers can cause them to burst during baking.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat!
- Add other vegetables: Get creative with your vegetables! Diced mushrooms, bell peppers of different colors, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Stuffed Peppers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Use ground lamb instead of turkey and add crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs like oregano and parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 8-10g
These delicious and healthy stuffed peppers are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful homemade cooking experience! They’re a perfect example of how healthy meals can also be incredibly satisfying and delicious. These best recipes are sure to become a family favorite.