75 minutes
Delicious stuffed peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese.
tablespoons
Fennel Bulb, finely chopped
cups
Yellow Onion, finely chopped
cups
Garlic, minced
cloves
teaspoons
teaspoons
0 lb
cups
Fire Roasted Tomatoes, diced
0 oz
teaspoons
teaspoons
Cooked White Rice
cups
Parmesan Cheese, grated
cups
Flat Leaf Parsley, minced
tablespoons
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
cups
1. Prepare Bell Peppers
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange them in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and set them aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped fennel (or celery) and yellow onion. Sauté these vegetables for about 6-8 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red-pepper flakes, cooking for another minute. This step is crucial as it helps release the essential oils and aromas from the garlic and spices, enriching the flavor of your filling.
4. Cook Ground Meat
Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Then, pour in half of the wine (or broth) and increase the heat slightly. Let it cook until the liquid reduces by half, which will concentrate the flavors and lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the cooked rice, grated Parmesan, and minced parsley until everything is well combined.
6. Stuff Bell Peppers
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared bell peppers. Pour the remaining wine (or broth) into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers during baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the peppers.
7. Add Cheese and Bake
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of each stuffed pepper, and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with additional minced parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!
Swap in ground turkey or beef, mix with cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Top with cheddar or pepper jack cheese, and serve with avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
Combine Italian sausage or ground chicken with cooked orzo or rice, marinara sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and Italian herbs. Top with mozzarella or Parmesan and serve with a side of garlic bread.
Use a mix of quinoa, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and oregano for the filling. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Draw inspiration from different cuisines for your flavor combinations. For a Mexican twist, include jalapeños and top with avocado. For an Italian vibe, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and top with fresh basil.
Use cooked lentils as the protein, mix with sautéed vegetables, rice, and a blend of spices like cumin and coriander. Finish with a sprinkle of goat cheese or vegan cheese substitute.
To develop a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the meat mixture while cooking. Let it reduce before proceeding with the recipe.
Don't underestimate the power of fresh herbs. Adding finely chopped herbs to the meat mixture, as well as using them for garnish, can significantly brighten the dish.
Choose firm, bright-colored peppers with flat bottoms to ensure they stand upright during baking and present well on the plate.
Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors. A smoked cheese can add an additional layer of complexity.
Encourage creativity by suggesting variations, like mixing in black beans, corn, or diced zucchini to the filling for a different take or a vegetarian option.
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