Description
Classic Italian Stuffed Peppers from Barefoot Contessa combine ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs in colorful bell peppers. Fresh herbs and rich tomato sauce elevate this comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish that you will savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- ½ cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 ½ tsps dried oregano
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Cook rice in a saucepan according to package instructions until fluffy and fully tender.
- Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring continuously to develop rich flavors.
- Meat Integration: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking into fine crumbles. Cook thoroughly until fully browned, draining excess fat. Fold in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing ingredients to meld together during a brief simmer.
- Pepper Staging: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange bell peppers cut-side up. Generously fill each pepper with the beef-rice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Cheese and Baking: Top peppers with shredded cheese, covering completely. Shield with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, adding a vibrant and aromatic final element to the dish.
Notes
- Choose Pepper Carefully: Select firm, symmetrical bell peppers with thick walls to ensure they hold stuffing without collapsing during baking.
- Control Moisture Level: Drain excess fat from beef and tomatoes to prevent soggy peppers and maintain a perfect texture.
- Balance Seasoning Strategically: Taste meat mixture before stuffing peppers to adjust salt, pepper, and herbs for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Prep Cheese Wisely: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer taste during the final baking stage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg