Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers deliver a flavor-packed culinary journey through hearty ground beef, zesty spices, and melted cheese. Colorful bell peppers cradle a savory filling that promises comfort and satisfaction in each delightful bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
Produce:
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces, with juice)
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the peppers.
- Carefully trim the tops from bell peppers and meticulously extract all internal seeds, preparing them for filling.
- Select a spacious skillet and combine ground beef, sausage, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic, sautéing until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the ingredients to simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes until the rice reaches perfect tenderness.
- Generously fill each prepared pepper with the aromatic meat and rice mixture, arranging them carefully in a baking dish.
- Lavishly drench the stuffed peppers with marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, baking for 45 minutes to develop deep, melded flavors.
- Uncover the peppers, sprinkle with optional cheese, and return to the oven for a final 15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
Notes
- Customize peppers by using different colored bell peppers for a vibrant presentation and varied flavor profiles.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to create a low-carb version perfect for keto and diabetic-friendly diets.
- Prep peppers ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg