Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the peppers for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the can of diced tomatoes to the mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture.
7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 346
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 27g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Rice can be substituted with quinoa or couscous.
- Any vegetables can be used for the filling, such as zucchini or eggplant.
Variations:
- Add a can of black beans or corn to the filling for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- Top with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to blanch the peppers before stuffing to ensure they are tender.
- Use a spoon to help pack the filling into the peppers.
- Leftover filling can be used as a base for a delicious soup.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a bed of fresh greens for a colorful presentation.
Garnishes:
- Top with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Simple salad with vinaigrette dressing
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peppers are not tender enough after baking, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Food history:
- Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries, with variations found in Greek, Turkish, and Mexican cuisines.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
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Region: Italian