Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Delight in a hearty dish of Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers filled with a flavorful blend of ground beef, onions, and rice, all cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients that create a warm and comforting meal for the whole family. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, these stuffed peppers are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Serve alongside a fresh salad or your favorite bread for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
green bell peppers
6 (tops chopped off and seeded)
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
water
1/8 cup (for mixing)
raw rice
1 cup (uncooked)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Campbell's tomato soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans
evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce) can
sugar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your stovetop to a low setting for simmering.
2
Begin by chopping off the tops of each green bell pepper and carefully core them to remove all seeds and veins, creating a hollow cavity for the filling.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, water, raw rice, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Gently fill each hollowed pepper with the beef mixture, ensuring not to pack it too tightly to allow the rice to expand while cooking.
5
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a large pot, filling the pot with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the peppers. Cover the pot with a lid.
6
Allow the peppers to cook on low heat for about 90 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the rice is tender.
7
Once cooked, carefully drain the water from the pot, reserving some of the liquid for later use.
8
In a separate bowl, mix the two cans of Campbell's tomato soup with the can of evaporated milk and the sugar. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding enough of the reserved cooking liquid until you reach your desired thickness.
9
Warm the tomato sauce in a saucepan and gently add the stuffed peppers, allowing them to soak in the flavors for a few minutes.
10
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers?
The main ingredients include 6 green bell peppers, 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1 medium onion, 1 cup of raw rice, 2 cans of Campbell's tomato soup, and 1 can of evaporated milk.
Do I need to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
No, you use 1 cup of raw, uncooked rice which will cook inside the peppers while they simmer.
How long do the stuffed peppers need to cook?
The peppers should be simmered on low heat for approximately 90 minutes until the beef is cooked and the rice is tender.
What type of peppers are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for green bell peppers, but you can use red, yellow, or orange if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Chop off the tops and core them to remove all seeds and veins, creating a hollow cavity for the beef mixture.
Is the ground beef cooked before it goes into the peppers?
No, the lean ground beef is mixed raw with the onion, rice, and water before being stuffed into the peppers.
What is in the creamy tomato sauce?
The sauce is a blend of two cans of Campbell's tomato soup, one can of evaporated milk, and two tablespoons of sugar.
How much water should I put in the pot to cook the peppers?
Fill the pot with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the peppers.
Why shouldn't I pack the meat mixture too tightly?
You should avoid packing it too tightly to allow the raw rice space to expand as it cooks.
What should I do with the cooking water after the peppers are done?
Drain the water but reserve some of it to adjust the thickness of your tomato sauce.
What size are the cans of tomato soup?
The recipe uses two 10.75-ounce cans of Campbell's tomato soup.
What size can of evaporated milk is required?
You will need one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk.
Is sugar necessary in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the flavors of the tomato soup and milk.
What temperature should I use to simmer the peppers?
The peppers should be simmered on a low stovetop setting.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes 6 stuffed bell peppers, typically serving 3 to 6 people depending on appetite.
Should the pot be covered while the peppers are simmering?
Yes, cover the pot with a lid to ensure the heat is retained and the rice cooks properly.
How do I adjust the consistency of the tomato sauce?
Add small amounts of the reserved cooking water to the soup and milk mixture until you reach your desired thickness.
What seasoning is used for the meat filling?
The filling is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, ground turkey is a suitable lean alternative.
How should the onion be prepared?
The medium onion should be finely chopped before being mixed with the beef and rice.
What is the purpose of adding water to the meat mixture?
A small amount (1/8 cup) of water is added to help combine the raw beef, onion, and rice more easily.
When do I add the peppers to the sauce?
Once the peppers are cooked and drained, and the sauce is warmed in a saucepan, add the peppers and let them soak for a few minutes.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is a hearty and comforting meal, though it does require about 90 minutes of simmering time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, stuffed peppers often reheat well and the flavors can deepen when stored in the sauce.
Are these peppers spicy?
No, this is a savory and slightly sweet dish, not intended to be spicy.
How do I know the rice is done?
After 90 minutes of simmering, the rice should be tender. You can test one pepper to ensure the texture is correct.
What makes the tomato sauce creamy?
The addition of evaporated milk to the condensed tomato soup creates a rich, creamy texture.
Can I use a different brand of tomato soup?
Yes, while Campbell's is mentioned, any brand of condensed tomato soup will work for this recipe.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to allow the cooked peppers to soak in the warmed tomato sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.