Jake's Stuffed Bell Peppers

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with "Jake's Stuffed Bell Peppers," a hearty and flavorful classic packed with wholesome ingredients and bold seasonings. These vibrant bell peppers are stuffed with a mouthwatering blend of tender ground beef or turkey, fluffy rice, sweet diced tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and onions, all elevated with Italian herbs and a hint of paprika. Topped with melty mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese, each bite is a symphony of comforting, cheesy goodness. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, these stuffed peppers are an easy, family-friendly meal bursting with protein and nutrients. Whether you're meal prepping or looking for a colorful, satisfying dish to impress, this recipe is a delicious and versatile crowd-pleaser. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes, canned (with juices)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Save the tops if you want to use them as lids for presentation. Set the hollowed peppers aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture.

Step 7

Stuff each bell pepper with the prepared filling, packing it in tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

Step 8

If desired, place the reserved pepper tops on each stuffed pepper as a lid.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1976.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2366.8

Total Fat 150.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 463.2mg	0%
Sodium 4722.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 125.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 38.1g
Protein 130.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1329.3mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 3742.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.0%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 21.0%