Stuffed Bellpeppers

Stuffed Bellpeppers Recipe from Italy with Ground Beef and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings all stuffed inside a colorful bell pepper makes for a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of stuffed bell peppers can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where peppers have been a staple ingredient for centuries. The concept of stuffing vegetables with a flavorful mixture of meat, rice, and spices has been a popular cooking technique in many cultures around the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
6 to 8 large bell peppers
1 can of Rotel tomatoes (Italian)
1 large chopped onion
chopped garlic (to your liking)
salt and pepper
parmesan cheese
Italian flavored bread crumbs

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
Sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers with the drained ground beef until the peppers are somewhat cooked.
Add the Rotel tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian bread crumbs.
Pour all the ingredients into a large baking pan.
Top with more Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
Bake until the bread crumbs are light golden brown.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add some cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color for the best results.

- To make the peppers easier to stuff, cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes.

- Pre-cooking the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes can help soften them before stuffing.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as rice, quinoa, or different types of meat.

- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with tofu or lentils.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the stuffed bell peppers in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to soften to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as rice, quinoa, or different types of meat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed bell peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stuffed bell peppers with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed bell peppers pair well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed bell peppers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed bell peppers contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed bell peppers contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed bell peppers contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed bell peppers are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. They also contain minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (bread crumbs).

Summary

Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you serve them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Stuffed Bellpeppers. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Alice in her quaint little farmhouse. Alice was renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes whenever I visited her.

On that particular day, Alice was busy in her kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. The aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, making my stomach rumble with hunger. As I watched her work with such skill and precision, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. How I wished I could cook like her, effortlessly creating mouth-watering dishes that everyone loved.

As if reading my mind, Alice turned to me with a smile and said, "Why don't you join me in the kitchen, my dear? I could use an extra pair of hands today." I eagerly accepted her invitation, excited at the prospect of learning some of her culinary secrets.

Together, we worked side by side, peeling, chopping, and sautéing ingredients for what Alice called her "famous Stuffed Bellpeppers." I had never heard of this dish before, but the name alone made my mouth water in anticipation.

As Alice guided me through the recipe, she explained the origins of the dish. She told me that she had learned to make Stuffed Bellpeppers from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe from generation to generation. It was a treasured family recipe, one that held a special place in her heart.

I listened intently as Alice shared her memories of cooking with her grandmother in the old farmhouse kitchen. She spoke fondly of the times they spent together, bonding over a shared love of food and tradition. I could see the nostalgia in her eyes as she recounted those precious moments, and I knew that this recipe held a deeper significance for her than just a delicious meal.

As we continued to cook, Alice taught me the intricacies of preparing the dish. We hollowed out the bell peppers, filling them with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices. The aromas wafting from the oven as the stuffed peppers baked were simply irresistible, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Alice pulled the golden-brown peppers from the oven, their cheesy tops bubbling and oozing with deliciousness. My mouth watered at the sight, and I eagerly took a bite of the piping-hot dish.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect harmony of savory and sweet, spicy and tangy. The tender bell peppers melded seamlessly with the hearty filling, creating a symphony of tastes that left me craving more. I couldn't believe that such a simple dish could be so incredibly delicious.

As I savored every bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. This recipe for Stuffed Bellpeppers was not just a meal; it was a piece of history, a connection to the past that transcended generations. I felt honored to have been a part of the tradition, to have learned from Alice the art of creating something so delicious and meaningful.

From that day on, Stuffed Bellpeppers became a staple in my own kitchen. I would recreate the recipe for family gatherings, special occasions, or just for a cozy night at home. Each time I made it, I would think of Alice and her grandmother, of the love and care that went into every bite.

And so, this recipe for Stuffed Bellpeppers became more than just a dish; it became a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of cooking. I am forever grateful to Alice for sharing her culinary wisdom with me, and for introducing me to a recipe that has brought so much happiness to my life.