Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers are a cozy meal that brings back memories. They are filled with ground meat, rice, and tasty veggies, all baked until tender and delicious!
Honestly, who can resist the warm, soft peppers fresh from the oven? I love topping mine with cheese for that extra yum factor! 🧀
This recipe is so easy to follow, making it perfect for a family dinner. Plus, leftovers are just as tasty the next day, if they last that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell peppers for a fun twist! Green peppers are a bit more bitter, while red, yellow, or orange ones are sweeter. If you want a low-carb option, zucchini or eggplant also work great!
Ground Beef: I often use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or a meat substitute to give a similar texture. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Rice: White rice is traditional, but brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice make fantastic substitutes! Each will change the flavor a bit, but they all pair well with the other ingredients.
Cheese: Cheddar is lovely, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a vegan cheese can work, depending on your taste or dietary restrictions.
How Do I Maximize Flavor in Stuffed Peppers?
To really enhance the flavor of your stuffed peppers, follow these tips:
- Sautéing: Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic! This step brings out their best flavors before mixing with the beef.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth. Personalize it to your taste!
- Cooking Time: Cover the dish with foil while baking to keep the peppers tender. Removing the foil towards the end helps the cheese to brown a little!
Following these steps will lead to delicious, flavorful stuffed peppers that everyone will love!
How to Make Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes for baking, totaling around 1 hour. It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time or to have for dinner with the family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Peppers:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, take your bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes inside. Place them aside to get ready for stuffing!
2. Cook the Base:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook them until they turn translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s aromatic.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, using a spoon to break it apart as it browns. Make sure it’s cooked through before moving on to the next step!
4. Combine the Filling:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well. Let it cook for about 2 minutes on low heat, then remove from the heat.
5. Stuff the Peppers:
Take the meat and rice mixture and carefully spoon it into each bell pepper, packing it gently to fit in as much as possible.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce over them and around the bottom of the dish. Cover the entire dish with foil to keep everything nice and moist during baking. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
After 30 minutes, take the dish out and carefully remove the foil. This is where you can sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven without the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the peppers from the oven. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley before serving. Dig in and enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers with family and friends!
FAQ about Grandma’s Classic Stuffed Peppers
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly if using a different type of meat!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave them until warmed through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just stuff the peppers and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to cook, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going in cold!
What if I Don’t Have Bell Peppers?
If bell peppers aren’t available, try using zucchini, eggplant, or large tomato as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose to ensure they’re tender!