REMARKABLY SIMPLE STUFFED PEPPERS ITALIAN STYLE
Serve these simple stuffed peppers with a fresh salad on the side. They’re filled with beef, rice, veggies, pesto and cheese. They have lots of flavor and will be sure to leave you feeling full and content!
My simple stuffed peppers are a go to in our house. I usually have most of the ingredients in my fridge and I can whip them up quick! They make for a healthy dinner and can be modified to whatever your preference is! I make my stuffed peppers with more of an Italian style to them. I’ve also made them Mexican style too. Both are delish!
Jeff and I love eating these when I’m not totally in the mood to cook and we want something quick or we’re craving something on the healthier side. The flavors from the pesto and seasonings bring everything together and creates magic in your mouth.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR MY SIMPLE STUFFED PEPPERS
For my simple stuffed peppers, I like to use a mixture of red and orange peppers. You could definitely use yellow too if you want to add more color to your dish! These peppers have a sweet flavor that ties in nicely with all the other flavors.
The beef I like to use is usually 90/10. It’s leaner meat to keep things a little healthier.
When it comes to the veggies, I keep it simple. I use onion, garlic and zucchini. I like to chop them up fine but feel free to keep them chunkier.
If I have time, I will make brown rice but if I’m trying to keep things quick, I’ll make white rice. Obviously if you want a healthier option, brown rice is the way to go.
I used store bought pesto, which I love. But if you have a recipe for homemade pesto, that would be great too!
For the cheese, I use shredded mozzarella. Some stores carry Italian cheese blends ,which I think would be so good!
TIPS
Before I cook the stuffed peppers, I will remove the core from the peppers and place in the microwave for about 2-4 minutes. This will soften them and make them a lot easier to eat!
Because this recipe makes 6 simple stuffed peppers, I like to keep things colorful so I will get 2 red, 2 orange and 2 yellow peppers. You do not have to do this, it’s just my what I like to do.
REMARKABLY SIMPLE STUFFED PEPPERS ITALIAN STYLE
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 6 red bell peppers
- 1 sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 zucchini finely chopped
- 1 cp rice cooked
- 1/2 cp shredded mozzarella + more for serving
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Place the peppers in the microwave for 2-4 minutes. Remove and set aside in a oven safe dish that fits the peppers so they're able to sit upright without falling over.Cook rice according to package.In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add in the beef and begin breaking it up. When the beef is cooked, remove from the pan and pour it onto a plate lined with paper towel to soak up any extra grease.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil. To that, add in the onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes - until fragrant. Add in the zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes. When the vegetables have softened, add in the remaining ingredients - cooked rice, tomato paste, pesto, s&p and red pepper flakes. Add the beef back in and stir until everything in combined. Sprinkle in 1/2 cp shredded mozzarella and stir.Take the peppers and begin filling them with the meat mixture - repeat. Once all the peppers are stuffed, sprinkle the tops with mozzarella cheese. Add a thin layer of water to the bottom of the dish.Cover with foil and cook for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and cook another 10-15 minutes.Serve hot and enjoy!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE AND LOVE IT?
If you made this recipe and loved it, let me know by leaving a comment below! I would also appreciate a like and a follow on my Instagram!
Here are a couple other ideas for a quick meal:
One Comment
theresa gahman
Looks so good!