Stuffed peppers are a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for a hearty dinner. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients such as rice, meat, vegetables, beans, and cheese. Here’s a classic recipe for stuffed peppers with a flavorful rice and vegetable filling, but feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If the peppers don’t stand upright, you can slice a small portion off the bottom to create a flat base. Place the peppers in a baking dish.
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Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Prepare the Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it down slightly. Place the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops of the peppers, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve.
Tips:
- Protein Options: You can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken to the filling for extra protein. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu or lentils work well.
- Grains: In place of rice, try quinoa, couscous, or farro for a different texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed peppers can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.
Enjoy your stuffed peppers! They’re a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect for any meal.
