Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Stuffed Peppers, where bell peppers serve as edible vessels for a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, fragrant onions, and tender yellow rice. The marriage of tomato sauce, tomato soup, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a comforting and satisfying experience. Baked to perfection, this dish promises to be a family favorite, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. Enjoy the savory goodness in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 9 Bell peppers
- 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Minced onion
- 2 cups Yellow rice
- 1 can (10oz) Tomato sauce
- 1 large can Tomato soup
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare the Peppers:
- Wash the bell peppers and cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers.
- Stand the hollowed-out peppers in a baking dish, ensuring they are stable.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the minced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare Yellow Rice:
- Cook the yellow rice according to the package instructions. This typically involves simmering the rice with water until it’s tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Combine Beef, Rice, and Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion mixture with the cooked yellow rice.
- Add the tomato sauce to the beef and rice mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. You can add salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each hollowed-out pepper, packing it in and mounding it slightly on top.
- Prepare Tomato Soup:
- Pour the large can of tomato soup into a bowl. You will use it to pour over and around the stuffed peppers.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in the baking dish. Pour some tomato soup over and around the peppers, allowing it to fill the spaces between them.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love it:
- Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic minced onions, and flavorful yellow rice creates a rich and savory filling that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Vibrant Presentation: The colorful bell peppers not only serve as tasty vessels for the stuffing but also add a vibrant and visually appealing element to your plate.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to personalize the recipe by adjusting the seasonings or adding your favorite ingredients to the stuffing mixture, making it adaptable to your taste preferences.
- Baked Perfection: Baking the stuffed peppers at a high temperature results in soft, tender peppers and a golden-brown, gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese, providing a delightful contrast in textures.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of protein from the ground beef and the satisfying nature of rice and vegetables makes this dish a wholesome and filling option for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Stuffed peppers are a family-friendly option, appealing to both adults and children. The familiar flavors and fun presentation make it an excellent choice for gatherings or family dinners.
- Versatile Leftovers: Any leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and convenient meal the next day, maintaining their delicious flavors.
- Balanced Ingredients: The inclusion of bell peppers provides a dose of vitamins and antioxidants, while the combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables creates a well-balanced and nutritious dish.
- Comfort Food Charm: Stuffed peppers have a timeless and comforting appeal, making them a go-to option for cozy meals that evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
How to store it:
Storing stuffed peppers properly is crucial to maintaining their flavor and texture. Here’s how you can store them:
Refrigeration:
- Cool Before Refrigerating: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the peppers from becoming soggy.
- Use Airtight Container: Place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container. If you have individual portions, you can use smaller containers.
- Separate Layers: If you need to stack the stuffed peppers in the container, place a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate the stuffed peppers within 2 hours of cooking to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
- Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freezing:
If you want to store stuffed peppers for a more extended period:
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each stuffed pepper individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact.
- Place in Freezer Bags: Alternatively, you can place the individually wrapped stuffed peppers in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label and Date: Clearly label the freezer bag with the date and any reheating instructions.
- Freeze Promptly: Freeze the stuffed peppers within a few hours of preparing them to preserve their quality.
Reheating:
- From Refrigerator:
- Reheat refrigerated stuffed peppers in the microwave or oven until they reach the desired temperature. Microwaving is quicker, but the oven can help maintain the texture better.
- From Freezer:
- If frozen, thaw stuffed peppers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated peppers.
