These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and flavorful seasonings, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a simple, yet hearty dish that’s great for a comforting family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Stuffed bell peppers are easy to prepare, customizable, and satisfying. They’re a complete meal with protein, grains, and vegetables all in one! The tender peppers soak up the delicious tomato sauce, and the seasoned beef-rice filling makes every bite flavorful and comforting.
Ingredient Information and Substitutes
- Bell Peppers: Provide a slightly sweet taste and a firm shell to hold the filling. You can use any color, but red and yellow tend to be sweeter.
- Ground Beef: Creates a hearty filling. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Rice: Adds texture and makes the dish filling. You can use white rice or substitute with brown rice, though brown rice may require longer cooking.
- Eggs: Bind the filling together. They can be omitted, but the filling may be looser.
- Marjoram: Adds a subtle earthiness; substitute with oregano if needed.
- All-Purpose Seasoning: Enhances flavor; use your favorite blend or try herbs de Provence for a twist.
- Onion and Garlic: Bring aromatic depth and flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the simmering sauce. Substitute with crushed tomatoes or tomato puree if preferred.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce.
Cooking Tips and Advice
- Prep the Peppers by slicing off the tops and removing seeds carefully to avoid tearing.
- Par-cook the Rice if you prefer a softer texture.
- Simmer Slowly to allow the flavors to blend and the peppers to become tender.
- Adjust Seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and any herbs.
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed peppers are delicious served with mashed potatoes or knedle (Czech dumplings). You can also enjoy them on their own, topped with extra sauce from the pot.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, simmered in a tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 5-8 bell peppers bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2/3 cup rice
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons marjoram
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning substitute for vegeta
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 14 ounce tomato sauce can
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Cut the stems off the top of the bell peppers. Rinse the bell peppers and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, mix the ground beef, rice, eggs, marjoram, all-purpose seasoning, and salt. Fill the bell peppers with the meat mixture. If there is any leftover meat, form into meatballs.
- Heat a big pot on medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté onions for about 5 minutes, until softened. Dust the onions with flour and give a quick stir. Add in bell peppers, tomato sauce, sugar, garlic, and enough water to barely cover the peppers. When boiling, set heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 50 minutes.
- Serve with knedle or your favorite mashed potatoes recipe. Eating this by itself with some sauce can suffice as well.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 698mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 668IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 5mg
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