Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked aglino (thin spaghetti)
- 1 cup cooked ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and mushrooms and sauté until softened.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked aglino and ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Stuff the bell peppers with the aglino and beef mixture.
9. Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Any type of pasta can be substituted for aglino.
- Any type of cheese can be substituted for mozzarella and Parmesan.
Variations:
- Vegetarian version: omit the ground beef and add more vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
- Spicy version: add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the aglino and beef mixture.
- Mediterranean version: add chopped olives, feta cheese, and oregano to the aglino and beef mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the peppers from falling over in the baking dish, slice a small piece off the bottom of each pepper to create a flat surface.
- To save time, use leftover cooked pasta and ground beef.
- To make the dish more filling, serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat stuffed peppers in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed peppers on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad with vinaigrette dressing
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peppers are not cooked through after the initial 30 minutes of baking, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The origin of the dish is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region.
Flavor profiles:
- The dish is savory and slightly sweet from the bell peppers. The aglino and beef mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper, and the cheese adds a creamy, salty flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed peppers as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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