Enjoy these delicious saucy stuffed peppers, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, topped with a tangy tomato sauce. This satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. Serve it with a side of salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that will surely impress everyone. With a total preparing time of 60 minutes, you can easily whip up this American classic in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in the cooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Pour half of the tomato sauce into a baking dish.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the stuffed peppers, and return them to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Interesting Facts
Stuffed peppers are believed to have been introduced to the United States by Eastern European immigrants in the early 20th century.
The bell peppers used in this dish are a great source of vitamin C and fiber.
Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. They often taste even better as the flavors have had more time to meld together.