Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Baking dish
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 large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Stuff the bell peppers with the beef and rice mixture.
7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the peppers.
10. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Cooked rice can be substituted with quinoa or couscous.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar or parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to the beef and rice mixture.
- Use different types of bell peppers such as yellow, orange, or red for a colorful presentation.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the peppers stand upright in the baking dish, slice a small amount off the bottom of each pepper.
- To prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil, spray the foil with cooking spray before covering the peppers.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed peppers 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 fresh spinach or arugula for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables such as carrots or broccoli.
- Garlic mashed potatoes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peppers are not cooking evenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through the cooking time.
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, with variations found in Italian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- The combination of beef, rice, and tomato sauce creates a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile, while the melted cheese adds a creamy and salty note.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed peppers hot out of the oven for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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