Classic Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Colorful bell peppers are stuffed with Ground Beef, tomatoes and rice. No one will ever know how easy this flavorful and hearty dish was to make.
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients: 11
Ingredients
Preparation
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Step 1
Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Preheat oven to 475°F. Cut tops off bell peppers; set tops aside. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the membranes and seeds from bell peppers. Arrange peppers about 2 inches apart in prepared baking dish. Place tops on empty peppers. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil; bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly.
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Step 2
Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef, onion and garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes, breaking beef into 1/2 inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, rice, tomato paste, dried parsley, salt and black pepper; cook 3 to 4 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
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Step 3
Remove pepper tops. Divide beef mixture evenly among peppers; replace tops. Bake in 475°F oven 17 to 22 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of beef mixture registers 160°F and bell peppers are tender. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.
Nutrition Information
296 Calories
3.4g SAT FAT
29g PROTEIN
4.5 mg IRON
8.9 mg ZINC
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet
Nutrition information per serving: 296 Calories; 76.5 Calories from fat; 8.5g Total Fat (3.4 g Saturated Fat; 0.2 g Trans Fat; 0.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat; 3.3 g Monounsaturated Fat;) 84 mg Cholesterol; 709 mg Sodium; 25 g Total Carbohydrate; 4.6 g Dietary Fiber; 10.4 g Total Sugars; 29 g Protein; 0 g Added Sugars; 51.5 mg Calcium; 4.5 mg Iron; 966 mg Potassium; 0 mcg Vitamin D; 0.3 mg Riboflavin; 8.2 mg NE Niacin; 0.8 mg Vitamin B6; 2.8 mcg Vitamin B12; 279 mg Phosphorus; 8.9 mg Zinc; 52.3 mcg Selenium; 107.1 mg Choline.
This recipe is an excellent source of Protein, Iron, Potassium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Selenium; and a good source of Dietary Fiber, and Choline.
The Essential Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Also called ‘hamburger,’ it’s made by grinding beef cuts and beef trim. It works well in dishes that require crumbles, and typically any leanness of Ground Beef works well in dishes – just be sure to drain any remaining fat after cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Named after the ‘bell’ shape they resemble, you may also see these called sweet peppers. They come in a variety of colors and lend a mild flavor and crisp texture to dishes.
- Garlic: A flavorful bulb that is related to the onion family. It has a strong aroma (that fills your kitchen), taste that enhances your dish and is known for its versatility.
- Brown Rice: An ancient grain that retains its nutrient-rich outer layer, the bran layer, which is why it takes longer to cook. It’s a nutritious option with a nutty flavor and chewy texture compared to other rice.
- Tomato Paste: A thick concentrated paste made by cooking down tomatoes. Add to dishes for a silky texture, intensified tomato flavor or to help thicken a soup or stew.
Safe Handling Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips.
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of ground beef is best for stuffed peppers?
It’s all about preference and what you have on hand. We recommend 80/20 ground beef ; it provides a great texture and rich flavor.
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What is oven roasting?
Oven roasting is a dry-heat cooking method that uses (you guessed it) an oven with indirect, ambient heat.
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What rice should I use for stuffed peppers?
Long-grain white rice is traditional but brown rice, jasmine or basmati rice will work well. Leftover rice will also work well if you have some.
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Can stuffed peppers be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble stuffed peppers a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. Bake according to recipe directions when it’s ready to serve.
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