Chef John's Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- (Optional) Blanch peppers in boiling water for 2 minutes to soften slightly, then drain.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until soft (about 2 minutes).
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in cooked rice, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Remove from heat and mix in ½ cup of cheese (if using).
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.
4. Stuff & Bake the Peppers:
- Place bell peppers in a baking dish and spoon the beef mixture into each pepper.
- Pour tomato sauce over and around the peppers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Final Touch:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
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