Vegetarian > Appetizer > Italian

Cheese-Stuffed Peppers with Dried Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is translucent.

4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

5. Add cooked rice, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Mix well.

6. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture.

7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle dried cheese on top.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

9. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Dried cheese can be substituted with grated Parmesan cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute bell peppers with poblano peppers for a smoky flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the stuffed peppers from falling over, slice a thin layer off the bottom of each pepper to create a flat surface.
- To make the stuffing ahead of time, cook the beef and rice mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before stuffing the peppers and baking them.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat stuffed peppers, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed peppers on a bed of lettuce for a colorful and healthy presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese on top of the stuffed peppers is not melted and golden brown, broil the peppers for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Spain and spread to other countries, including Mexico and the United States.

Flavor profiles:
- The dish has a savory and cheesy flavor with a hint of spice from the cayenne pepper.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed peppers as a main course for dinner or as a side dish for a party or potluck.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Tangy, Spicy, Herby