Hearty Stuffed Peppers

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Hearty Stuffed Peppers
This hearty and flavorful stuffed pepper recipe is a comfort food classic. The tender bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, then baked to perfection. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

About Time:

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 50 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2.3 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 5 large bell peppers (assorted colors)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cook the filling: Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add spices and vegetables: Stir in the paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, parsley, and basil. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, zucchini, Worcestershire sauce, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the peppers: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and ribs, and place them skin-side down in a baking dish.
  4. Assemble and bake: Fill the pepper halves with the beef and rice mixture. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Cover loosely with foil.
  5. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
  7. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2.3 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 5 large bell peppers (assorted colors)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the filling: Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Combine ingredients: Add the rice, zucchini, paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, parsley, basil, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and ribs.
  4. Fill the peppers: Stuff the pepper halves with the beef and rice mixture.
  5. Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
  6. Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
  7. Top and finish: Remove the peppers from the air fryer and top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
  9. Note: Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the peppers in batches.