Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed bell peppers filled with a flavorful mix of ground beef or turkey, rice, and Italian seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make gluten-free main course is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups marinara or tomato sauce (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Brush the outside of each pepper lightly with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics and cook meat: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Combine filling: Stir in the cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes until ingredients are well combined and flavorful.
- Stuff peppers: Spoon the meat and rice filling evenly into each prepared bell pepper. Top each pepper with the remaining 1/4 cup marinara sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for browning: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and garnish: Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa for rice or use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Try mixing in chopped spinach or mushrooms for added vegetables and nutrients.
