Description
A classic, comforting recipe for stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices. Perfectly baked until tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium bell peppers (mix of green, red, orange, or yellow)
- 1 lb 93/7 ground beef
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp non-alcoholic red grape juice (as a substitute for richness)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 bunch fresh)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- Grated cheese for topping (mozzarella or parmesan)
Instructions
- Prep Peppers: Cut tops, remove seeds and membranes, trim bottoms if wobbly, arrange upright in a greased baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 30-37 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion, shallots, and diced pepper scraps in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then spices (cumin, paprika, parsley, oregano, black pepper) and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Brown Meat: Add tomato sauce and ground meat to the aromatics, breaking it up. Optional: add olives, raisins, or 1 tbsp non-alcoholic red grape juice. Mix until coated.
- Cook Filling: Stir in pre-washed, uncooked rice, pour in water or vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30-35 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 3-5 minutes, then stir gently.
- Alternative Method: If using pre-cooked rice: Add it to the meat and aromatics once the meat is cooked through, mix well, and heat until warmed through.
- Final Bake: Fill peppers with the beef and rice mixture, sprinkle with cheese, replace tops if desired, and bake 10 more minutes or broil 4 minutes. Rest 5 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Ensure peppers are firm so they stand upright in the baking dish. If using pre-cooked rice, ensure the mixture is hot before stuffing.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pepper
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, ground beef, rice, dinner, classic recipe, baked