Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Healthy Delight
Are you looking for a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Why Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Are a Must-Try ?
This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like rice, ground beef, fresh herbs, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant Mediterranean recipe that will delight your taste buds while keeping you healthy.
Ingredients List
- 6 bell peppers, any color
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
3. Mix the Filling
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, parsley, and tomato paste. Mix well.
4. Stuff the Peppers
Fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Add Water and Bake
Pour water into the dish around the peppers. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Other Mediterranean flavors you’ll love!
Healthier Alternatives for this Recipe
- Use quinoa instead of rice for extra protein and fiber.
- Opt for lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Pair with a fresh Mediterranean salad.
- Enjoy with crusty whole-grain bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the peppers: Leave a bit of space for the filling to expand. Overfilling can lead to spillage during baking, making your dish messy.
- Using undercooked rice: Ensure rice is fully cooked before stuffing. Partially cooked rice will not soften properly in the oven.
- Not covering the peppers: Always cover with foil to trap steam for even cooking. Skipping this step can result in dry peppers.
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Storing Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
- Freeze stuffed peppers individually by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- For meal prep, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it separately. Stuff the peppers just before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a hearty vegetable mix like mushrooms and lentils.
2. Can I use another type of rice to make a Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Absolutely. Brown rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option can work.
3. How can I make the peppers spicier for a Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapenos to the filling for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful combination of hearty ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’re sure to impress. Try them today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
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Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like rice, ground beef, fresh herbs, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant Mediterranean recipe that will delight your taste buds while keeping you healthy.
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers, any color
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, parsley, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Pour water into the dish around the peppers. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Variations for Stuffed Bell Peppers: If you like you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. Or you can make these stuffed peppers vegan by eliminating the meat all together. And to try different flavors, you can replace ground allspice with ground cumin or Italian seasoning. This is a dairy free stuffed pepper recipe, but if you want to add cheese, a sprinkle of crumbled feta added at the end is a good option.
- To Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the rice mixture one day in advance if you like by following steps #1 and #2. Let the rice cool completely before storing in the fridge. And you can also prepare the peppers per step #3. Store the peppers in the fridge separately once cooled. The next day, you can assemble the stuffed bell peppers and bake (steps #5 and #6). It may help to bring the stuffed peppers to room temperature before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 281
- Sugar: 7.7g
- Sodium: 37.7mg
- Fat: 4.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 44.4g
- Protein: 14.5g
