Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off 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 skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
6. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Stuff the beef mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 330
Total fat: 17g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 82mg
Sodium: 360mg
Total carbohydrates: 19g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different colored bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
- Add a can of black beans to the beef mixture for added protein.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to blanch the peppers before stuffing them to ensure they are cooked through.
- Use a spoon to help stuff the beef mixture into the peppers.
- If the peppers are tipping over in the baking dish, use crumpled foil to prop them up.
Storage instructions:
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 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 added flavor.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
Troubleshooting advice:
If the peppers are not cooked through 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 to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. In the United States, they became popular during the Great Depression as a way to stretch meat and other ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
The combination of ground beef, rice, and spices gives the stuffed peppers a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor.
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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Hearty, Spicy, Herbaceous