Italian Stuffed Peppers

Oh, mamma mia! Italian Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food! This incredible Italian classic is oozing with a delightful combination of colorful bell peppers, stuffed to the brim with hearty ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese. A veritable explosion of flavors! Perfect for throwing together on a weeknight or serving at a special occasion, these Italian Stuffed Peppers are sure crowd-pleasers.

Why should you love them? They’re hearty, flavorful and a cinch to put together! Plus, the filling can easily be made in advance, and the peppers stuffed just before baking, making this dish just as convenient as it is delicious.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6 peppers
• Yield: 6 servings

So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking those satisfying and scrumptious Italian Stuffed Peppers!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 6 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment:
• A knife and chopping board
• A large mixing bowl
• A saucepan
• A baking dish

The ground beef adds a meaty hearty flavor to the filling, while the rice gives it that filling, fluffy texture. The tomato sauce packs in the bold flavorful essence, embodying the true essence of Italian cuisine. Remember to always use bell peppers that stand up on their own to make sure they don’t tip over while baking. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

How To Make Italian Stuffed Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 350��F (175��C). Next, start by washing your bell peppers. Slice the tops off the peppers and scoop out the seeds and white membrane. Set those beauties aside.
2. In a saucepan, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain the beef to keep your dish light and healthy.
3. Take your drained meat and in a large bowl, mix it together with the cooked rice, salt, and half the tomato sauce. This is gonna be your stuffing. So try not to eat all of it before it makes it into the peppers!
4. Now fulfill the destiny of these peppers and stuff them! Make sure each pepper gets an equal amount of filling. Place the peppers standing up in a baking dish, and pour the rest of the tomato sauce all over them.
5. Bake those puppies uncovered for about 50 minutes in your preheated oven. Add cheese on top in the last 5 minutes to let it melt into gooey perfection. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips For The Best Results

• Choose bell peppers that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Be generous with the cheese.
• For a spicy twist, add some crushed red pepper to the beef mixture.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these ahead?

A: Absolutely! Just keep the filling and peppers separately in the fridge until ready to use.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, as long as you ensure that the tomato sauce is gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze Italian Stuffed Peppers?

A: Certainly! They can be frozen either fully prepared and cooked or just prepared and then baked from frozen.

Q: How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Substitute the beef with crumbled tofu or a grain like quinoa. It���ll be delicious!

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?

A: Mozzarella is traditional for this recipe, but feel free to use any melting cheese like provolone or even cheddar if you prefer.

Nutritional Facts of Italian Stuffed Peppers

Each serving contains 295 calories, 10g of fat, 32g of protein, 18g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber. It also provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron in varying amounts.

That’s all folks! Italian Stuffed Peppers are not only mouth-wateringly delicious but also easy to make and incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress. And remember, when it comes to cooking, it’s all about experimenting and seeing what works best for you. So feel free to experiment with different ingredients, spices or even cooking methods. Don’t forget to share your version of the dish in the comments. Buon appetito!