Description
A hearty and colorful dish of tender bell peppers stuffed with seasoned rice, vegetables, and meat, baked to perfection with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 250 g ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a greased baking dish.
- Cut tops off bell peppers, remove seeds, and place them upright in the dish.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Stir in rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in half of the cheese and parsley.
- Fill peppers with the mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10–15 minutes until tender and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice for best texture.
- Can substitute meat with lentils or chickpeas for vegetarian option.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Do not overbake to avoid overly soft peppers.
- Reheat in oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pepper
