Savory Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Savory Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers, inspired by classic stuffed pepper recipes but with a modern, healthier twist. This delightful dish features sweet red bell peppers, which offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color. The peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of extra lean ground beef, fluffy white rice, and aromatic vegetables, all seasoned to perfection with garlic and Italian herbs. A splash of zesty vegetable juice adds an extra zing, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a wholesome family meal, these stuffed peppers are both nutritious and filling, promising to be a hit at your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked white rice
1/2 cup (Cook rice according to package directions, omit fats.)
medium bell peppers
4 (Hollow out and remove seeds.)
extra lean ground beef
10 ounces (Use ground beef with 7% fat or less.)
small onion
1 (Chop finely.)
garlic cloves
2 (Mince.)
100% vegetable juice
1 1/2 cups (Use as is, portioned for mixing and cooking.)
grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (Use as is.)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Use as is.)
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is.)
Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is.)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Use as is.)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the white rice according to the package instructions, omitting any added fats. Once cooked, allow the rice to cool for about 10 minutes.
2
2. While the rice is cooling, prepare the bell peppers. Use a sharp knife to slice off the tops of each bell pepper and carefully remove the seeds. Set the tops aside, discarding the stems and finely chopping the remaining pieces.
3
3. In a medium bowl, combine the cooled rice, extra lean ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper tops, 1/4 cup of the vegetable juice, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Mrs. Dash seasoning mix, salt, and ground pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
4. Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, ensuring they are evenly filled.
5
5. In a deep 3-quart saucepan, place the stuffed bell peppers upright, and pour the remaining 1 1/4 cups of vegetable juice around them.
6
6. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat until the juice reaches a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan.
7
7. Allow the peppers to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the beef mixture is fully cooked.
8
8. Once cooked, carefully place each stuffed pepper in a serving bowl, ladling some of the vegetable juice around them for added flavor and moisture, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers?
They are a modern, healthier twist on classic stuffed peppers featuring extra lean ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings.
What kind of peppers should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends medium sweet bell peppers, particularly red ones for their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
How many peppers does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill 4 medium bell peppers.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but ensure it is fully cooked according to its package instructions before mixing it into the filling.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of extra lean ground beef, specifically 7% fat or less.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and filling meal using lean protein, vegetables, and minimal added fats.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Slice off the tops, remove the seeds, and discard the stems. The remaining top pieces should be finely chopped and added to the filling.
What should I do with the pepper tops?
Finely chop the edible parts of the pepper tops and mix them into the beef and rice filling for extra flavor.
What is the cooking liquid used in the saucepan?
The recipe uses 100% vegetable juice as the cooking liquid to add a zesty zing to the dish.
How long do the stuffed peppers need to simmer?
The peppers should simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender and the beef mixture is fully cooked.
Do I need to pre-cook the ground beef before stuffing?
No, the raw extra lean ground beef is mixed with cooked rice and seasonings, then cooked entirely while simmering inside the peppers.
What seasonings are used in the beef and rice mixture?
The filling is seasoned with garlic, Italian seasoning, Mrs. Dash seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese are included in the filling mixture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you could replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of rice and add beans.
What can I substitute for Mrs. Dash seasoning?
You can use any salt-free herb blend or add a little extra Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers are done when they are fork-tender and the internal beef mixture has reached a safe cooked temperature.
What size saucepan is needed for this recipe?
A deep 3-quart saucepan is recommended to allow the peppers to stand upright during the simmering process.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, extra lean ground turkey or ground chicken would be excellent substitutes for the lean ground beef.
What should I serve with stuffed peppers?
These are a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with a side salad or a piece of crusty whole-grain bread.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How much vegetable juice goes into the meat mixture?
1/4 cup of the vegetable juice is mixed directly into the rice and beef filling.
How much vegetable juice is used for simmering?
1 1/4 cups of vegetable juice are poured around the peppers in the saucepan for simmering.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is tagged as a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe due to the lean ingredients and high vegetable content.
Can I use different colors of bell peppers?
Absolutely. While red peppers are suggested for sweetness, yellow, orange, or green peppers work just as well.
Should the saucepan be covered while cooking?
Yes, once the juice reaches a boil and you reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan to ensure even cooking.
How do I serve the finished peppers?
Place each pepper in a serving bowl and ladle some of the remaining vegetable juice from the pan around them.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your vegetable juice and seasoning mixes to be certain.
Can I add more vegetables to the stuffing?
Yes, finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini would be a great way to bulk up the nutrition and flavor.
Do I need to add oil or butter to the rice?
The recipe specifically instructs to omit any added fats when cooking the rice to keep the dish healthy.