Description
Classic bell peppers packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce showcase comfort food straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Family recipes like these connect generations through simple, delicious ingredients that warm hearts and satisfy hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 to 1.25 pounds ground beef (ground chuck, 16% fat)
- 6 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
Vegetables and Main Ingredients:
- 4 to 6 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), 4 large or 6 medium
- 1.5 to 2 cups cooked white rice
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 0.5 teaspoon dry summer savory or thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon ground marjoram or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Paprika, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and prepare a medium-grain rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- Carefully slice off the tops of the bell peppers and meticulously remove all seeds and internal membranes, creating sturdy edible vessels for the savory filling.
- Position the hollowed peppers vertically on a steaming apparatus over rapidly boiling water, allowing them to soften for approximately 10 minutes, which enhances their texture and reduces overall cooking time.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped fresh basil, delicate marjoram leaves, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and the pre-cooked rice, blending ingredients until uniformly distributed.
- Arrange the partially steamed peppers in a ceramic or glass baking dish, then gently pack the meat and rice mixture into each pepper, ensuring a generous but not overstuffed filling.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil around and over the peppers, then dust the surface with vibrant paprika for added color and subtle warmth.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 35-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 71 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, accompanying with a side of tangy ketchup for those who enjoy additional flavor.
Notes
- Elevate your family dinner with these nostalgic bell peppers packed with childhood memories and robust flavors.
- Steam peppers beforehand to guarantee perfectly tender vessels that melt in your mouth.
- Blend ground beef with fragrant herbs creating a harmonious mix that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal.
- Drizzling olive oil helps develop a golden-brown exterior while keeping the filling succulent and rich.
- Paprika sprinkle adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the hearty meat mixture, making each bite more exciting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg