Stuffed bell peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here’s a basic recipe for classic stuffed bell peppers:

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Bell Peppers:

• 6 large bell peppers, any color
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bell peppers and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes to slightly soften. Remove and let them cool.

3. Make the Filling:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until softened.
2. Add ground beef (or beef/pork mixture) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.

4. Stuff the Bell Peppers:

1. Spoon the filling into the blanched bell peppers, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
2. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

5. Make the Tomato Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers.

6. Bake:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the tops are lightly browned.

7. Serve:

1. Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with additional shredded cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!

Feel free to experiment with the filling ingredients and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. Stuffed bell peppers are a great dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.