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Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers

A delightful dish of vibrant bell peppers filled with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Stuffed Peppers
  • 4 large bell peppers Choose any color.
  • 1 cup uncooked rice A staple for the filling.
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth To cook the rice.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped) Adds depth to the filling.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Adds fragrance and flavor.
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with Italian sausage.
  • 15.5 ounces diced tomatoes (drained) Provides juiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning Gives Italian essence.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential for flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds sharpness.
  • to taste Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional) Enhances flavor and presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and set aside to dry.
Cooking the Rice
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  2. Fluff the rice with a fork before removing from heat.
Preparing the Filling
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking into pieces as necessary.
  4. Drain any excess fat.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and dried Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Heat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Stuffing and Baking
  1. Stuff the prepared pepper halves with the filling, packing it down gently.
  2. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Remove stuffed peppers from the oven and garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving hot.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve with garlic bread or a side salad. Meal prep by freezing stuffed peppers before baking.