Mom’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

Introduction

Welcome to another delicious recipe on our blog! Today, we’re excited to share a classic comfort dish that has been a family favorite for generations—Mom’s Stuffed Bell Peppers. This recipe is not only packed with flavors but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a hearty dinner, these stuffed peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs, then baked to perfection. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked white rice
• 4 to 6 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), 4 large or 6 medium
• 1 to 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (ground chuck, 16% fat)
• 6 large fresh basil leaves, chopped, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dry summer savory or thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Paprika, for sprinkling

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed peppers.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

If you haven’t already prepared the rice, start cooking it according to the package instructions. This should yield about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked rice.

Step 3: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the stems and seeds. Arrange the peppers cut side up on a steaming rack placed over an inch of water in a large covered pot. Bring the water to a boil and steam the peppers for about 10 minutes. This step makes the peppers tender and easier to eat. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can skip the steaming process.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped basil, summer savory, marjoram, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the cooked rice. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Carefully remove the steamed bell peppers from the pot and place them cut side up in a Pyrex or any other oven-proof casserole dish. Gently stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, filling them to the top.

Step 6: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the stuffed peppers, along the outside, and into the pan. Rub the oil over the exterior of the peppers to help with browning. Generously sprinkle paprika over the tops of the stuffed peppers for added flavor and color.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 50 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Step 8: Serve

Once baked, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with ketchup on the side if desired, and enjoy this hearty, delicious meal!

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4-6

Conclusion

Mom’s Stuffed Bell Peppers are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an ideal dish for family dinners. The combination of tender bell peppers, savory beef, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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