# Simple Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Stuffed peppers are a beloved comfort dish that features colorful bell peppers filled with a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. This straightforward stuffed pepper recipe showcases a tangy blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, all baked in a rich sauce. This meal is not only tasty but also ideal for meal prepping, as it freezes well and reheats beautifully.
## Reasons to Adore This Recipe
– **Simple to Prepare**: While it takes around 45 minutes to prepare, the process is clear and easily manageable.
– **Adaptable**: You can adjust the filling to match your taste preferences or dietary requirements.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: These stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance and frozen for future meals.
## Ingredients Required
### For the Stuffed Peppers
– **Bell Peppers**: Any color works! Green peppers offer a more robust flavor, while red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter.
– **Meat**: A mix of ground beef and Italian sausage enhances the flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or turkey sausage.
– **Rice**: Uncooked long-grain white rice is best. Modify the liquid if using other rice varieties.
– **Sauce**: Use your favorite jarred pasta sauce or homemade marinara.
– **Cheese**: Optional, but a sprinkle of mozzarella or an Italian blend gives a delightful cheesy finish.
### Additional Ingredients
– **Onion and Garlic**: For extra flavor in the meat mixture.
– **Seasonings**: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
– **Optional Add-ins**: Additional vegetables like chopped zucchini or mushrooms can be mixed into the filling.
## Step-by-Step Directions
### 1. Prepare the Peppers
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
– Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and take out the seeds and membranes. Chop the tops and set them aside for the filling.
### 2. Cook the Filling
– In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with diced onion and minced garlic until no pink is visible. Drain the extra fat.
– Add diced tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, rice, chopped pepper tops, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the rice is fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes).
### 3. Fill the Peppers
– Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture, then stand them upright in the dish. Pour more marinara sauce over the top.
### 4. Bake
– Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover, add cheese if desired, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
### 5. Serve
– Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, hearty meal!
## Storing and Freezing Stuffed Peppers
– **Refrigeration**: Keep any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
– **Freezing**: Prepare the peppers without cooking them, cool the filling, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, adding 15 minutes to the baking time.
## Success Tips
– **Pre-cook the Peppers**: For softer peppers, consider boiling them for a few minutes or using an air fryer before filling.
– **Customize the Filling**: You can substitute half of the meat with beans or add more vegetables to stretch the filling further.
– **Taste and Adjust**: Since marinara sauces vary in salt content, taste the filling and modify the seasoning as necessary.
## Nutritional Information
Each serving of stuffed peppers contains approximately:
– **Calories**: 314
– **Protein**: 20g
– **Carbohydrates**: 24g
– **Fat**: 17g
– **Fiber**: 6g
This stuffed pepper recipe is not only straightforward to prepare but also a healthy and fulfilling meal that the entire family will enjoy. Whether you savor them fresh out of the oven or reheated from the freezer, these stuffed peppers are bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!