Classic Beef Stuffed Peppers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Beef stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food classic, enjoyed for generations. This recipe brings together tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, flavorful rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and rewarding to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hearty and satisfying meal!

Why This Recipe Works

This classic beef stuffed peppers recipe excels because it focuses on balanced flavors and textures. The ground beef is seasoned generously, creating a savory base. The rice adds a pleasant chewiness, while the tomato sauce provides moisture and acidity. The bell peppers themselves offer a slightly sweet and vegetal counterpoint to the richness of the filling. Baking the peppers allows the flavors to meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious dish.

Furthermore, this recipe emphasizes preparation and technique. Blanching the peppers slightly softens them, making them easier to stuff and ensuring they cook evenly. Browning the ground beef properly develops depth of flavor. And simmering the tomato sauce enhances its richness. All these small details contribute to a superior final product.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bell Peppers: 6 medium-sized bell peppers (a mix of colors adds visual appeal)
• Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor and moisture)
• Cooked Rice: 1 cup cooked long-grain rice (white or brown rice works well)
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Tomato Sauce: 28 ounces tomato sauce
• Diced Tomatoes: 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Beef Broth (optional): 1/2 cup beef broth, for baking
• Shredded Cheese (optional): 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, for topping
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect beef stuffed peppers:

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers

The first step is to prepare the bell peppers. This involves cleaning, hollowing, and blanching them to ensure they are tender and easy to stuff.

1. Wash the Bell Peppers: Thoroughly wash the bell peppers under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Cut off the Tops: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the tops of the bell peppers, about 1 inch from the stem. Set the tops aside, as you can chop them and add them to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
3. Remove the Seeds and Membranes: Scoop out the seeds and white membranes from inside the bell peppers. Make sure to remove all the seeds to avoid a bitter taste. You can use a spoon or your fingers to do this.
4. Blanch the Bell Peppers: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bell peppers to the boiling water and blanch them for 3-5 minutes. This will soften them slightly, making them easier to stuff and ensuring they cook evenly in the oven.
5. Shock in Cold Water: Remove the bell peppers from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help them retain their bright color.
6. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the bell peppers and set them aside to dry while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the Beef Filling

The filling is the heart of the dish. This step involves browning the ground beef, sautéing the vegetables, and combining all the ingredients to create a flavorful mixture.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. If you reserved the chopped bell pepper tops, add them to the mixture now.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.

3. Stuff the Bell Peppers

Carefully stuff the bell peppers with the prepared beef filling. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff them, as the rice will expand during baking.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef filling into the blanched bell peppers, packing it in firmly. Fill each pepper to the top.
3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, pour 1/2 cup of beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish to add moisture during baking. This will also create a flavorful sauce.
4. Top with Cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

4. Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Baking the stuffed peppers allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to become tender. Cover the dish initially to trap moisture, then uncover for the final minutes to brown the cheese (if using).

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
3. Check for Doneness: The peppers are done when they are easily pierced with a fork. The internal temperature of the filling should be at least 165°F (74°C).
4. Let Rest: Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy this classic comfort food!

1. Garnish (optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the stuffed peppers hot.
3. Enjoy! Enjoy your delicious and hearty classic beef stuffed peppers!

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Peppers: Select bell peppers that are firm, brightly colored, and free from blemishes. A mix of colors adds visual appeal to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Use pre-cooked rice to avoid overcooking it in the filling. Overcooked rice can make the filling mushy.
• Use Good Quality Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a moderate amount of fat (80/20 blend) for the best flavor and moisture.
• Don’t Overstuff the Peppers: Avoid overstuffing the peppers, as the rice will expand during baking and can cause them to burst.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
• Use Beef Broth for Extra Flavor: Adding a little beef broth to the bottom of the baking dish adds moisture and creates a flavorful sauce.
• Cover During Baking: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps to trap moisture and ensures the peppers cook evenly.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as crumbled feta cheese, olives, or a drizzle of pesto.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, quinoa, or a mixture of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots for a vegetarian version.
• Different Rice: Try using brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Use your favorite cheese for topping, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables into the filling, such as chopped carrots, celery, or corn.
• Italian Sausage: Substitute some of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Beef stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of side dishes to complement the flavors.

• Salad: A simple green salad or a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil makes a refreshing side dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the stuffed peppers.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing for stuffed peppers.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stuffed peppers.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Beef stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time, which is convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining. Here’s how to prepare them in advance:

• Prepare the Filling: The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Stuff the Peppers: You can stuff the peppers up to 1 day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator.
• Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the peppers are cold.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover beef stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer.

Nutritional Information (approximate)

The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used. However, here is an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 25-35g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 3-5g

This is just an estimate, so it’s always best to calculate the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients you use.

Conclusion

Classic beef stuffed peppers are a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With this detailed step-by-step guide, you can easily create this timeless dish at home. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, flavorful rice, and rich tomato sauce. Happy cooking!

Enjoy Your Cooking Journey!