Ingredients
Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Bell Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottom of the peppers to ensure they stand upright. Place the peppers in a baking dish.
Preparing the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.Tip: Ensure the pork is well browned for maximum flavor.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuffing the Peppers
- Spoon the pork mixture evenly into each bell pepper, packing it down slightly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Baking the Stuffed Peppers
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender.Tip: Check the peppers halfway through cooking. If they are browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving the Stuffed Peppers
- Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Peppers
Select bell peppers that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Any color bell pepper can be used, depending on your preference.
Making Ahead
The stuffed peppers can be assembled a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This can make meal prep easier.
Freezing the Stuffed Peppers
To freeze, prepare the stuffed peppers through the stuffing step, but do not bake. Place the stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Adding Extra Flavor
For additional flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They can also be topped with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 400 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g