Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers are a heartwarming dish filled with tasty rice, ground meat, and spices, all wrapped in sweet bell peppers. It’s comfort food at its best!
These peppers remind me of cozy family dinners. It’s so fun to see them bake in the oven, filling the house with delicious smells! I love serving them with a sprinkle of cheese on top—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Any color works! Red, green, yellow, or orange all have unique flavors. You can even use zucchini or portobello mushrooms for a low-carb option!
Ground Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. Vegetarian? Use black beans or lentils mixed with grains instead of meat.
Rice: White rice is standard here. You can substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist! Just ensure they are cooked beforehand.
Spices: Italian seasoning adds great flavor, but feel free to mix in some smoked paprika or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten up the dish!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Stuffed Peppers?
The key to great stuffed peppers is even cooking and flavor. First, make sure your bell peppers are prepped properly—remove the tops and seeds so the filling fits well. Next, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, which builds a solid flavor base.
- When browning the meat, keep stirring and breaking it apart to avoid large clumps.
- Add your cooked rice and diced tomatoes early in the cooking process to let the flavors meld together.
- Don’t skip the foil cover while baking initially; it helps steam the peppers and keeps them tender.
- If you want to ensure your cheese melts perfectly, broil it for a minute or two at the end—watch closely!
Enjoy creating these stuffed peppers; they’re a delicious way to bring some family warmth to your table!
Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 45 minutes of cooking time, bringing the total to about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This includes the time to sauté the filling, stuff the peppers, and bake them in the oven until they are tender and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed peppers cook evenly and thoroughly!
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Carefully cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove all the seeds and membranes inside. Set these prepared peppers aside in a baking dish, standing them upright.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
4. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, drain it from the skillet.
5. Mix in the Rice and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors.
6. Stuff the Peppers:
Using a spoon, fill each hollowed bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it in while ensuring it’s evenly distributed among the peppers.
7. Bake the Peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers in your preheated oven. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender and cooked through.
8. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper, if desired. Return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the peppers out of the oven. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Serve them warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Enjoy your Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers—rich, comforting, and made with love!
FAQ About Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for Stuffed Peppers?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat used.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked lentils, black beans, or chopped mushrooms and additional vegetables. You can keep the rice and seasoning the same for a satisfying and hearty filling.
Can I Prepare Stuffed Peppers in Advance?
Yes! You can make the stuffed peppers ahead of time. Just prepare and stuff the peppers, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking them straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or bake them in the oven until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist while reheating!
