Hearty Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers
This hearty Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a cherished family tradition that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Growing up in a close-knit Italian family in New Jersey, my mom would whip up this simple yet satisfying dish that features bell peppers overflowing with a savory blend of ground beef, fluffy white rice, and spices. Topped with rich pasta sauce, it's a delightful meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, these stuffed peppers are full of flavor, nostalgia, and, most importantly, love.
6
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (Raw, for mixing)
Cooked White Rice
1 1/2 cups (Cooked, cooled)
Egg
1 (Raw, for binding)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Garlic Powder
To taste (For seasoning)
Green Bell Peppers
3 medium (Cut in half and seeded)
Pasta Sauce
1 (67-ounce) jar (Store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice and the raw ground beef until well combined.
3
Add the egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the mixture. Use your hands to mix it thoroughly, similar to how you would prepare meatloaf.
4
Prepare the bell peppers by slicing them in half from top to bottom, removing the stems and seeds to create hollow halves.
5
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking pan.
6
Evenly fill each pepper half with the beef and rice mixture. Place the filled peppers upright in the prepared baking pan.
7
Generously spoon additional pasta sauce over the tops of the stuffed peppers and pour any remaining sauce around the peppers in the pan.
8
Season the tops with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.
9
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
11
During the baking process, open the oven every 15-20 minutes and spoon some sauce over the peppers to keep them moist.
12
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
13
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this family recipe!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
30g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe?
This is a cherished family tradition featuring bell peppers filled with a savory blend of ground beef, white rice, and spices, topped with rich pasta sauce.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of raw ground beef.
Should the rice be cooked before mixing?
Yes, you should use 1 1/2 cups of cooked and cooled white rice.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 3 medium green bell peppers.
How are the bell peppers prepared?
The peppers should be sliced in half from top to bottom and the stems and seeds must be removed to create hollow halves.
What is used to bind the meat and rice mixture?
One raw egg is used as a binding agent for the stuffing.
What seasonings are added to the filling?
The filling is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe.
Should I put sauce in the pan before the peppers?
Yes, spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking pan before adding the peppers.
How much pasta sauce is required in total?
The recipe uses one 67-ounce jar of store-bought or homemade pasta sauce.
How do I arrange the peppers in the pan?
Place the filled pepper halves upright in the prepared baking pan.
Do I season the tops of the peppers?
Yes, generously spoon sauce over the tops and then sprinkle with a little more salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
How long do the peppers bake covered?
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
How long do they cook after removing the foil?
Remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are finished cooking?
They are done when the peppers are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
What should I do during the baking process to keep them moist?
Open the oven every 15 to 20 minutes and spoon some of the sauce from the pan over the peppers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content for this dish?
Each serving provides 22 grams of protein.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the peppers rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven before serving.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
While the recipe specifies green, you can use any color of bell pepper you prefer.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
It is a family recipe from a close-knit Italian family in New Jersey.
Is the ground beef cooked before stuffing the peppers?
No, the ground beef is mixed raw with the cooked rice and then baked inside the peppers.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Peppers.
Is this considered a simple recipe?
Yes, it is described as a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for cozy dinners.
What type of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use any 67-ounce jar of your favorite store-bought sauce or a homemade version.
What makes this dish special?
It is full of flavor, nostalgia, and comfort, representing a cherished family tradition.