Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the robust flavors of Italian cuisine with the simplicity of home cooking? Look no further! These Easy Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution. Imagine tender bell peppers packed with savory ground beef, perfectly seasoned rice, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella – a dish so delicious, it'll transport you straight to the heart of Italy with just one bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pepper cups. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet with the meat. Pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juice. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill completely. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each pepper, and return to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the meat to prevent a greasy filling.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with quinoa or additional vegetables.
- Experiment with different cheese toppings like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Prep the peppers and filling in advance to make weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 378kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 100mg
