Hearty Stuffed Peppers are a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with savory beef, flavorful rice, and topped with gooey mozzarella, these peppers are sure to become a household favorite.
The star of this dish is, of course, the bell peppers. Their natural sweetness complements the savory filling beautifully. Ground beef adds a hearty, meaty flavor, creating a satisfying base. White rice is used to give the filling substance and texture, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich, tangy taste. Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, melty topping, perfect for cheese lovers. Onions and garlic are essential for building the base flavors, while olive oil helps in sautéing them to perfection. A sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs adds the final touch of seasoning that brings all the ingredients together.
These stuffed peppers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A light vinaigrette or a simple lemon dressing complements the rich flavors of the peppers perfectly.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be ready to go once you’ve prepared everything else. Next, tackle the peppers. Slice the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes inside — you want them clean and ready to be filled.
Next, grab a large skillet and heat up about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook until they’re nice and soft, but not browned. This should only take a few minutes.
Add the ground beef to your skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned. Once it's cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
Now, stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix everything until well combined, then take it off the heat. The filling is ready to go!
Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. It’s okay if they’re slightly overflowing. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, cover them with foil to keep them moist, and bake for about 25 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle each pepper generously with mozzarella cheese, and pop them back into the oven for another 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
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