**Quality Ingredients:**
Choose firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and healthier. Use diced tomatoes with their juices for added flavor and moisture.
**Enhanced Flavor:**
Consider adding minced garlic to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor. You can also sauté the onions before adding them to the baking pan to enhance their sweetness and aroma.
**Seasonings:**
Season the ground beef mixture generously with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer, such as oregano, thyme, or paprika. Adjust the seasonings to taste to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
**Rice Preparation:**
Cook the rice according to package instructions until it’s tender and fluffy. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for added variety and nutrition.
**Cheese:**
While Parmesan cheese adds nuttiness and richness to the filling, consider mixing in some shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess. You can also sprinkle additional cheese on top of the stuffed peppers for a golden and gooey finish.
**Baking Method:**
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the bell peppers in a baking dish filled with beef broth and diced tomatoes, which adds moisture and flavor to the peppers as they bake. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure the peppers cook evenly.
**Cooking Time:**
Bake the stuffed peppers covered with foil for one hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the peppers to become tender. After one hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the peppers with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the peppers to the oven for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Serving Suggestions:**
Serve the Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. They pair well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a few simple enhancements, you can elevate this classic recipe and create a memorable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the deliciousness of these stuffed peppers any day of the week!
Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 6 Bell peppers
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 ½ cups diced tomatoes, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped well
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tsp garlic, freshly minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
How To Make Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
- Preheat the oven to 375*
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers, take out the seeds and spines
- In a 9×13 baking pan, place the 1 cup of broth, 2 cups of the diced tomatoes and the chopped onion.
- Stir well to combine
- In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, parmesan cheese, cooked rice, ½ cup of diced tomatoes, parsley and salt and pepper. Combine well.
- Spoon a good portion of meat mix into each of the peppers and place the top back on each pepper
- Place the peppers in the 9×13 baking pan
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for one hour
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for another 30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!