Cheesy Stuffed Green Peppers
Enjoy a wholesome and delicious meal with Cheesy Stuffed Green Peppers. Filled with lean ground beef, brown rice, and a blend of flavorful cheeses, these peppers are a nutritious and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy families, this recipe is freezer-friendly and easy to prepare, making it a convenient meal option for any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes (depending on whether refrigerated or frozen)
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8 green bell peppers
- 1¼ lbs ground beef
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- ½ cup chopped sweet onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh minced basil (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups plain tomato sauce
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions (typically, 1 cup of dry rice yields about 2 cups cooked).
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, minced garlic, basil, salt, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the green peppers and remove the seeds.
- Blanch the Peppers: In a pot of boiling water, cook the peppers for 4-5 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the peppers upright. Stuff each pepper with the filling mixture and top with the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the peppers were refrigerated, bake for 35 minutes. For frozen peppers, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a mix of vegetables for a meatless version.
- Spice It Up: Add chopped green chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Choices: Try different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a personalized flavor.
Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/cheesy-stuffed-green-peppers/
