How to Make Delicious Stuffed Green Peppers

Stuffed green peppers are a classic comfort food that combines tender bell peppers with a flavorful filling of seasoned beef, rice, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

• 6 medium green bell peppers, tops and seeds removed

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• Kosher salt

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 (28-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes

• 2 cups cooked rice

• 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided

• 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Peppers

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.

• Add about 2 inches of water to a large pot with a steamer insert.

• Bring the water to a high simmer, then add the peppers to the steamer.

• Cover and steam until the peppers are very tender and pliable, about 25 minutes.

• Carefully remove and let them drain upside-down on paper towels.

2. Make the Filling

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and translucent, around 8 minutes.

• Increase the heat to medium-high, then add ground beef, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.

• Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

• Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.

3. Combine the Filling

• In a large bowl, mix together the beef mixture, cooked rice, parsley, 1 cup of mozzarella, breadcrumbs, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.

4. Assemble the Peppers

• Stand the peppers upright in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. If they tip over, trim a bit off the bottoms to create a flat surface.

• Generously fill and pack the peppers with the meat-rice mixture.

• Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Add enough water to the baking dish to just cover the bottom, which helps steam the peppers while baking.

• Loosely cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

• A simple green salad for a fresh contrast.

• Garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices.

• Roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave until warm.

These stuffed green peppers are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients from the vegetables and protein-rich beef. Give this recipe a try for a satisfying meal that's easy to make and sure to impress!

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