Why Make This Recipe
Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. They are simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick dinner solution. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings based on your preferences. Plus, stuffed peppers are a great way to add vegetables to your meal while still enjoying a savory dish.
How to Make Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat. Mix well.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- If desired, top with grated cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
How to Serve Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers
Serve the stuffed peppers hot, straight from the oven. They can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a simple salad or some bread. Drizzle extra tomato sauce over the top for added flavor, if desired.
How to Store Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or an oven until warmed through. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers
- Choose vibrant bell peppers for the best flavor and presentation.
- Experiment with different ground meats, such as chicken or pork, for a different taste.
- Add some chopped vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
- If you like a little spice, consider adding some chili powder or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the meat with beans or lentils. You can also add quinoa or extra vegetables to make it filling and nutritious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can use other types of peppers, like poblano or Anaheim, for a different flavor.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a bowl of soup for a hearty meal.
Easy Classic Stuffed Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed peppers that are simple to prepare and customizable for busy families.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat. Mix well.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- If desired, top with grated cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with beans or lentils. Add quinoa or extra vegetables for nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg