Italian Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef for Family Bliss
Delight in these Italian Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef, a nutritious and customizable family favorite.
Equipment
- - Oven
- - Skillet
- - 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
For the Peppers
- 4 pieces Bell Peppers Choose firm peppers in vibrant colors.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
- 1 medium Onion Fresh onion adds depth.
For the Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef Opt for 90/10 lean beef.
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used for an extra kick.
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit if desired.
- 1 cup Cooked Rice Quinoa can be a gluten-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Parsley Fresh herbs brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Basil Fresh herbs preferred.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can replace it.
For Assembling
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce Rao's Homemade Marinara is recommended.
- 1 cup Italian Cheese Blend Can substitute with mozzarella.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion with a sprinkle of salt until softened.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until mostly browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice, parsley, basil, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup marinara sauce, and half the cheese blend.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture and top with remaining cheese blend.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
- Let the stuffed peppers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Optional: Drizzle with additional marinara sauce before serving for extra flavor.