Ingredients For Stuffed Bell Peppers With Recipe Instructions! Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Culinary Delight
When it comes to comfort food that marries wholesome ingredients with
a burst of flavors, stuffed bell peppers reign supreme. This recipe
transforms simple bell peppers into vessels of delight, brimming with a
medley of textures and tastes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a culinary novice, this dish is a
perfect addition to your repertoire, offering a harmonious blend of
nutrition and indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Bell Peppers:
- 6 large bell peppers (assorted colors add vibrancy)
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Place them upside down on a paper towel to drain excess water.
2. Making the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese, ensuring it melts and blends evenly.
3. Stuffing the Peppers:
- Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to ensure they are tightly packed.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers.
4. Making the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed peppers.
5. Baking:
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
6. Serving:
- Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole for added richness.