Kelsey’s Comforting Stuffed Green Peppers: A Family Favorite Recipe

Stuffed green peppers are a timeless classic, a dish that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. But not all stuffed pepper recipes are created equal. This recipe, affectionately known as Kelsey’s Favorite Stuffed Green Peppers, takes this traditional dish to a whole new level of flavor and comfort. It’s more than just ground beef and rice stuffed into a pepper; it’s a symphony of savory ingredients, perfectly balanced seasonings, and a touch of sweetness that makes every bite an absolute delight.

This recipe has been passed down (with a few tweaks and improvements along the way, naturally!) and is a staple in our family. We love it because it’s relatively easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s both healthy and delicious, or a dish to impress guests at your next gathering, Kelsey’s Favorite Stuffed Green Peppers are sure to become a new favorite in your own home.

## Why This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is Special

What sets this recipe apart from other stuffed pepper recipes? Several factors contribute to its exceptional taste and appeal:

* **The Flavor Profile:** We’re not just relying on ground beef for flavor. This recipe incorporates a carefully curated blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of Italian seasoning, to create a complex and savory base. A hint of sweetness from the diced tomatoes and a touch of brown sugar balances the savory elements perfectly.
* **The Texture:** The combination of ground beef, cooked rice, and softened peppers provides a wonderful textural contrast. The rice adds a slightly chewy element, while the beef is tender and juicy. The peppers, softened in the oven, provide a pleasant bite.
* **The Sauce:** The simple tomato-based sauce is the perfect complement to the stuffed peppers. It’s slightly tangy, slightly sweet, and helps to keep the peppers moist and flavorful.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. You can use different types of ground meat, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Above all else, these stuffed peppers are pure comfort food. They’re warm, hearty, and satisfying – the perfect meal for a chilly evening.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all of your ingredients. This will make the process much smoother and more efficient.

* **Green Bell Peppers:** 6 medium-sized green bell peppers (choose peppers that are relatively uniform in size and shape)
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken)
* **Cooked Rice:** 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain, medium-grain, or brown rice all work well)
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon paprika
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon onion powder
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious stuffed peppers! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Peppers**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Wash the green bell peppers thoroughly.
* Cut off the tops of the peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. Be sure to get all the seeds out, as they can be bitter.
* In a large pot, bring a few inches of salted water to a boil. Place the peppers in the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. This will help to soften them slightly.
* Remove the peppers from the boiling water and drain them well. Place them in a baking dish, cut-side up.

**Step 2: Prepare the Filling**

* In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

**Step 3: Stuff the Peppers**

* Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared green bell peppers, filling them to the top.
* If you have any leftover filling, you can spread it around the peppers in the baking dish.

**Step 4: Bake the Peppers**

* Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the sauce is bubbling.

**Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)**

* If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers during the last 5 minutes of baking, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Ground Meat:** This recipe is delicious with ground beef, but you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage. Adjust the seasonings accordingly.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped bell peppers, carrots, celery, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Instead of cheddar cheese, try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables to the filling.
* **Use Different Rice:** While white rice is the most common choice, brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous can be used for a healthier alternative.
* **Make Ahead:** Stuffed peppers can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** Leftover stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

Kelsey’s Favorite Stuffed Green Peppers are a complete meal in themselves, but you can also serve them with a variety of side dishes.

* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad is a refreshing accompaniment to the hearty stuffed peppers.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with just about anything.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
* **Coleslaw:** A light and tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stuffed peppers.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

This is just an approximate estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary.

## Kelsey’s Kitchen Notes

“I remember watching my grandmother make these stuffed peppers when I was a little girl. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply intoxicating! She always had a special touch, and while I’ve adapted the recipe over the years, the core flavors remain the same. The secret, I think, is in the balance of flavors and the quality of the ingredients. Don’t skimp on the spices, and be sure to use good-quality ground beef. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!” – Kelsey

## Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Kelsey’s Favorite Stuffed Green Peppers

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 50 minutes

**Total Time:** 1 hour 10 minutes

**Serves:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 6 medium-sized green bell peppers
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Boil peppers for 5 minutes; drain and place in a baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, drain excess grease.
3. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the peppers. Spread leftover filling around the peppers in the dish.
5. Pour tomato sauce over peppers. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese (optional) during the last 5 minutes, until melted.
7. Garnish with parsley (optional). Serve hot.

## Enjoy Your Delicious Stuffed Peppers!

These stuffed green peppers are a guaranteed hit, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this family favorite recipe. Happy cooking!