Stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started, along with some variations you might enjoy.

Basic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
   • If needed, slice a tiny bit off the bottom so they stand upright.
   • Place them in a baking dish and set aside.

3. Cook the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
   • Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
   • Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.

4. Stuff the Peppers:

   • Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in firmly.
   • Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.

6. Serve:

   • Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with a mix of beans, such as black beans or lentils, and add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Mexican Style: Use ground beef, cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Top with cheddar cheese and serve with avocado or sour cream.
• Italian Style: Use ground turkey, cooked quinoa, and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella and fresh basil.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the filling, and use pepper jack cheese for a kick.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!