Step-by-step instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Arrange the bell peppers in a baking dish. Generously fill each pepper with the seasoned meat mixture.
- Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese. Then, place the peeled and deveined shrimp on top for an added touch of elegance.
- In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the peppers for that perfect crunchy topping.
- Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender, the cheese is melted, and the tops are golden brown.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Best ways to enjoy it
Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile — they work beautifully as a main dish or even as a colorful centerpiece for a potluck. For the ultimate dining experience, consider pairing them with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices. Feeling adventurous? A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of jalapeños can take this dish to new flavor heights!
How to store
To keep your stuffed bell peppers fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should maintain their quality for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! Just pop them in the microwave or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can also freeze them: just be sure they cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Helpful cooking tips
- Brown the meat well: Don’t rush this step! Searing the ground beef to a rich brown flushes it with flavor that will enhance your mixture.
- Prep ahead: You can make the filling a day in advance to save time. Just keep it stored in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the peppers.
- Experiment with spices: Enhance your filling by adding other spices like cumin or even a kick of cayenne for some heat.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian alternative. Add more vegetables like corn or black beans for a southwestern flavor, or experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist. For the adventurous cooks, adding quinoa instead of rice can bring a nutty flavor and an extra nutritional boost!
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare stuffed bell peppers?
Typically, preparation and cooking take about 1 hour. It can vary depending on your speed in the kitchen, but the steps are straightforward.
Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils or quinoa work beautifully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep your cooked stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I know when my stuffed peppers are done baking?
The peppers should be tender, the cheese should be bubbly and melted, and the tops should have a beautiful golden crust. A fork should pierce through the pepper easily when they are fully cooked.
Now, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful stuffed bell peppers recipe — your kitchen will soon be full of wonderful scents that bring everyone to the table!
