Description
Imagine colorful bell peppers brimming with a savory mixture of rice, minced meat, and vegetables, baked to perfection under a layer of golden, melted cheese. This Stuffed Peppers Recipe is a timeless classic, loved for its balance of hearty flavors and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck dish, or even meal prep for the week. Topped with sour cream and fresh dill, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 100 grams of rice
- 250 ml water
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- Vegetable oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 500 grams minced meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Provencal herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Topping:
- 100 grams of cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- A bunch of dill, finely chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
- Combine the rice and 250 ml of water in a small pot.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice absorbs the water and becomes tender.
- Set the rice aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and inner membranes. Set aside.
- If needed, trim the bottoms slightly to help the peppers stand upright in the baking dish.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet. Cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, Provencal herbs, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until fully incorporated.
Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each bell pepper with the prepared meat and rice filling, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a greased baking dish.
Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent the peppers from drying out.
Bake the Peppers:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving.
- Top each pepper with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Choose the Right Peppers: Use vibrant, firm bell peppers. Red, yellow, and orange varieties are sweeter and more flavorful than green peppers.
- Adjust the Filling: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or feta for a unique twist.
- Stabilize the Peppers: Trim the bottoms slightly to ensure the peppers stand upright in the baking dish.
- Advance Prep: You can assemble the stuffed peppers a day ahead and bake them fresh when needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International