How to Cook Stuffed Red Peppers: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
Stuffed red peppers are a delightful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. These vibrant peppers are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as rice, meat, and vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to cook stuffed red peppers, ensuring that you can create a delicious and healthy dish for your family and friends.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 4 red bell peppers
– 1 cup of cooked rice
– 1 cup of cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
– 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers
– 1/2 cup of chopped carrots
– 1/2 cup of chopped celery
– 1/2 cup of chopped zucchini
– 1/2 cup of chopped green beans
– 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the red bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, ground meat, chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
7. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out red bell peppers, filling them to the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the stuffed red peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed red peppers can be served on their own, or paired with a side salad or a baked potato. They are also great for meal prep, as they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy your delicious and healthy stuffed red peppers!
