Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce

Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Stuffed green peppers in tomato sauce is a classic dish that combines the flavors of tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, and tangy tomato sauce. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of stuffed green peppers can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where stuffed vegetables are a common dish. The combination of peppers, rice, and ground meat has been a popular choice for home cooks for generations.

Ingredients

6 green bell peppers
1 can (14.5 to 16 oz or 454 g) of drained tomatoes
1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
2 cups of cooked rice
0.5 cup of chopped onion
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of thyme leaves
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
1 slightly beaten egg
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 cup of boiling water

How to prepare

Cut a slice from the stem of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
Cook the peppers in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes, then drain them.
Drain the tomatoes and chop them, while reserving the juice.
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, rice, tomatoes, onion, salt, thyme, pepper, garlic powder, and egg. Mix well.
Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture.
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a buttered baking dish.
Blend the reserved tomato juice, bouillon cubes, and water together. Pour this mixture around the peppers.
Cover the baking dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Add cheese to the filling for a cheesy twist.
Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the peppers slightly before stuffing them to ensure they are tender.

- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed green peppers with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the stuffed peppers in the tomato sauce helps to infuse the flavors and keep the peppers moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as different types of grains, vegetables, or meats.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the stuffed green peppers 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 green peppers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed green peppers contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed green peppers are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and beef, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

Stuffed green peppers in tomato sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With a flavorful filling and tangy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known in our community for her delicious and comforting dishes, and I often found myself watching her in the kitchen, trying to learn as much as I could from her.

One day, as I was helping Nonna Maria gather ingredients for our dinner, I noticed a well-worn cookbook sitting on a shelf in the corner of the kitchen. Curious, I picked it up and began flipping through the pages. As I scanned the recipes, one in particular caught my eye – Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce. The combination of flavors and textures sounded so enticing, I knew I had to give it a try.

Excited to learn a new recipe, I asked Nonna Maria about it. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family favorite, passed down through generations. She explained that the dish was a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail, but the end result was always worth it.

Nonna Maria graciously agreed to teach me how to make Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce, and over the next few days, we spent countless hours in the kitchen together, preparing and cooking the dish. She showed me how to carefully hollow out the green peppers, stuff them with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and herbs, and then simmer them in a rich tomato sauce until they were tender and bursting with flavor.

As we worked side by side, Nonna Maria shared stories of her own childhood, when she first learned to make the dish from her own grandmother. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, and of the joy that came from sharing a homemade meal with loved ones.

I listened intently, soaking up every word she said and every technique she showed me. It was a special time of bonding and learning, and I cherished every moment spent with Nonna Maria in the kitchen.

Finally, the day arrived when we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor – a steaming plate of Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce. The aroma that wafted from the dish was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The flavors of the peppers, the meat, and the tomato sauce melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both hearty and comforting. Nonna Maria watched me with a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I had successfully mastered the recipe.

From that day on, Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce became a staple in our household. Whenever I made the dish, I felt connected to my heritage and to the strong women who had passed down the recipe through the generations.

As the years went by and I grew older, the recipe for Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce became a part of my own culinary repertoire. I continued to make the dish for my own family, sharing the same love and care that Nonna Maria had shown me all those years ago.

To this day, whenever I make Stuffed Green Peppers and Tomato Sauce, I am reminded of the special bond I shared with my grandmother in the kitchen. The dish not only fills my belly with warmth and nourishment, but it also fills my heart with memories of a time long gone, but never forgotten.