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**Best Stuffed Peppers I’ve Ever Eaten: Simple and Tasty Oven Recipe**
Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that never goes out of style. They are the perfect combination of tender vegetables, flavorful fillings, and a satisfying crunch. Whether you are looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a meal prep solution for the week, these **Best Stuffed Peppers** are simple to prepare, incredibly tasty, and a guaranteed hit for the whole family.
This oven-baked recipe is both versatile and flavorful, featuring a filling that combines healthy ingredients with mouthwatering spices. From the first bite to the last, these stuffed peppers will have you savoring each forkful.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
1. **Simple and Quick Preparation**
– With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal. This recipe doesn’t require any complex techniques, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those short on time.
2. **Customizable**
– You can easily adjust the filling to suit your dietary needs. Whether you prefer ground beef, chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian option with quinoa or beans, this recipe is flexible and adaptable to what you have on hand.
3. **Healthy and Nutritious**
– Packed with vitamins from the peppers, protein from the filling, and fiber from whole grains, this dish makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed without guilt.
4. **Make-Ahead and Leftover Friendly**
– Stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prepping. They store well in the fridge for a few days and can even be frozen for later. You can easily make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
### Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken (or use quinoa or beans for a vegetarian version)
– 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa for a healthier option)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a little spice)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
### Directions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Peppers:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottom of the peppers slightly so they stand upright in the baking dish.
– Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the peppers and blanch them for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly. Drain and set them aside to cool.
#### 2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the ground meat (or beans for a vegetarian option) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using quinoa, cook it separately according to package instructions and add it to the skillet.
– Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice (or quinoa), oregano, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the filling cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
#### 3. **Stuff the Peppers:**
– Carefully spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it in gently. You want the peppers to be stuffed but not overflowing. If there’s extra filling, you can serve it on the side or use it to top the peppers before baking.
– Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If needed, use a bit of aluminum foil to keep them steady.
#### 4. **Bake the Stuffed Peppers:**
– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the peppers soften and allows the flavors to come together.
– After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each pepper, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
#### 5. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Once done, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
#### 6. **Enjoy:**
– Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor.
### Tips for Success:
1. **Choosing the Right Peppers:**
– When picking peppers, go for large, firm bell peppers that are free from blemishes. Red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to have a sweeter flavor, but green peppers work just as well.
2. **Make It Your Own:**
– Experiment with different fillings! You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a meat-free combination like black beans and quinoa for a vegetarian version. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor.
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