Hearty Homemade Stuffed Peppers with Tomatobasil Sauce

Recipe Introduction

Fancy Some Hearty Stuffed Peppers?

Remember those nights when mum made stuffed peppers ? The whole house smelled amazing! Honestly, nothing beats the comforting smell of those baked stuffed peppers .

Today, we are diving into this classic. We'll see how stuffed peppers bake time affects the final outcome.

A Classic Dish, Reinvented

This stuffed bell peppers recipe is a hug in a dish. It's got Mediterranean roots. It brings sunshine to your table.

It's also pretty straightforward. You need about an hour and fifteen. It feeds four hungry mouths.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This

This recipe is full of goodness. Packed with protein and hidden veggies. Perfect for a family dinner. Or even a casual get-together. What makes it truly special? It's bursting with flavour!

Quick Hook: Taste the Memories

Ever crave something comforting and easy? These Taco Stuffed Peppers are screaming your name! Plus, with our little trick for perfect stuffed peppers internal temperature , you can't go wrong.

Origin and Delicious Simplicity

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic for a reason. They bring simple goodness to any table, with minimal complexity. It's a great way to load up on veggies with ease.

This recipe sits at a friendly medium difficulty. The total cook time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. It yields 4 satisfying servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits: Healthy and Happy

Looking for a Low Carb Keto friendly meal? Ditch the rice and double up on the veggies. Turn it into Low Carb Tacos or enjoy a fantastic Low Carb Dinner .

This recipe is customisable. It's also a delicious way to sneak extra nutrients into your diet. What makes it special? The bright tomato basil sauce.

It ties everything together beautifully.

Getting Started: The Goods You'll Need

Before we dive into the method let's get the ingredients on the table.

Getting Started: The Hearty Homemade Stuffed Peppers Line-Up

Right, so before we dive into making these amazing stuffed peppers , let’s gather our bits and bobs. This isn't MasterChef , we want tasty and not a faff, right?.

This recipe is similar to taco stuffed peppers , but with a proper tomato sauce. They are also a great alternative to Low Carb Tacos , or even a full Low Carb Dinner .

Main Ingredients: Let's Talk Numbers

Ok, here is what you'll need for these stuffed bell peppers recipe :

For the Peppers:

• Four big bell peppers, any colour you fancy (about 2.5 lb or 1.13Kg ). Good peppers should feel heavy and have a shiny skin. No one wants a wrinkly old pepper, do they?
• 1 tbsp (US: 15 ml ) olive oil. Extra virgin is posh but regular is fine.
• One medium yellow onion, chopped (about 8 oz or 227g ). Get a nice firm one.
• Two cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp or 6g ). Jarred is fine, but fresh is always better, innit?
• One pound ground beef (or veggie mince if you are that way inclined) (US: 454g ). You could use ground turkey or even quorn.
• 1/2 cup cooked white rice (US: 115g ). Long grain works best, like Uncle Ben's.
• 1/2 cup diced zucchini (US: 75g ). Adds a nice bit of freshness.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (US: 15g ). Curly or flat leaf, your call.
• 1 tsp dried oregano (US: 2g ). A must for that proper Italian vibe.
• 1/2 tsp salt (US: 3g ). Sea salt is fancy if you have it.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (US: 1g ). Freshly ground is always a winner.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (US: 57g ). Optional, but who doesn’t love cheese?

For the Tomato Basil Sauce:

• One 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (US: 794g ). Essential for that classic taste.
• One 15 ounce can tomato sauce (US: 425g ). For extra sauciness.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (US: 15g ). Adds a lovely summery flavour.
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (US: 4g ). Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (US: 2g ). Enhances the overall flavour.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (US: 1g ). For extra garlicy goodness.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Obvs.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bomb!

Honestly, the oregano and basil combo is the heart of this recipe. Don’t skimp! For a bit more oomph , a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

You could even sneak in a bay leaf while the sauce simmers. For a Low Carb Keto friendly dish, just skip the rice and add more veggies.

These also make for amazing Keto Diet Recipes !

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid

You don't need a load of fancy gear here.

• A big skillet for browning the mince.
• A 9x13 inch baking dish. Pyrex is your friend.
• A mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A chopping board and a decent knife.
• Foil.
• If you don't have a knife you can use a spoon.

And that is all! We can now think about the stuffed peppers bake time .

Alright, let’s get cracking! Stuffed peppers , eh? Classic comfort food, a bit like a Sunday roast but in handy, edible bowls.

We’ll create a recipe that even Delia Smith would be proud of. Honestly, who doesn't love them? They're colourful, tasty, and pretty darn versatile.

Did you know that stuffed peppers have been around for centuries, with variations popping up all over the world? Let's make some magic!

Prepping Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Stuffed Peppers

First things first, get your stuff together! This is what the fancy chefs call mise en place .

• Dice one medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
• Chop some fresh parsley (about 1/4 cup).
• Measure out 1/2 cup of cooked rice, 1/2 cup of diced zucchini, and have a 1 pound of ground beef ready.
• Open your cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Don't forget those bell peppers! Cut the tops off, remove the seeds, and wash them.
• Safety first! Make sure your knives are sharp to avoid any accidents, and keep a clean cloth handy for wiping spills.

Let's Get Stuffing: step-by-step Magic

Right, here's how we actually do it. Don't stress, it's easier than making a cuppa!

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Then, brown the ground beef. Drain any fat nobody wants greasy peppers!
3. Mix the cooked beef with rice, zucchini, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir.
4. Stuff those peppers! Pack the filling in nice and tight.
5. Mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, sugar, oregano, and garlic powder for your sauce.
6. Pour a bit of sauce in your baking dish, arrange the peppers, and pour the rest of the sauce over them.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes .
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes . The peppers should be tender. This is the key to great baked stuffed peppers temperature .
9. Add mozzarella for the last 5 minutes, if you like cheese.

Stuffed Peppers Bake Time : Pro Tips to Elevate Your Game

Fancy being a bit of a whiz? Here's some insider info. Honestly, these tips make all the difference!

• Don't overfill the peppers! The filling expands a bit while cooking.
• To make-ahead, assemble the peppers and keep them in the fridge overnight. This cuts down on stuffed peppers bake time when you’re ready to cook.
• Keep an eye on the sauce. If it starts browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil. Nobody likes burnt bits.

These simple Hearty Homemade Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Basil Sauce are also perfect for people on a Keto Diet Recipes . You can simply substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken or plant based alternative.

This can also be a great meal option if you are looking for Low Carb Keto recipes. You can adjust the Stuffed bell peppers recipe to use Cauliflower Rice instead of the rice.

Enjoy your Low Carb Dinner without feeling guilty. Or maybe want to try a Taco Stuffed Peppers . So grab your ingredients and let's dive into creating some delicious Low Carb Tacos .

So, next time you are wondering how long to bake stuffed peppers at 375 , or what the right stuffed peppers internal temperature is, remember these simple steps.

Why not try a stuffed peppers with rice recipe for a hearty family meal next week?

Recipe Notes for the Best Stuffed Peppers

Right then, so you're about to embark on this stuffed peppers recipe adventure. Good on ya! Before you get stuck in, here are a few bits and bobs to keep in mind.

I've been making these for years, honestly.

Serving it Up Right: Plating and Presentation

Presentation is key, right? I like to arrange my baked stuffed peppers temperature ( 375° F or 190° C, remember!) on a plate with a sprig of parsley.

A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds a lovely tang. If you are feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil makes it look proper restaurant worthy!

As for sides, a simple green salad does the trick. Or, if you're feeling naughty, some proper crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous tomato sauce.

Storage Sorted: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers? No worries. Just pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge. They'll keep for about 3 days.

If you are making a big batch or you want low carb keto friendly version, freezing is an option too.

Let them cool completely, wrap each pepper individually in cling film, then freeze. When reheating, you can do it in the oven, covered , until heated through.

Make sure the stuffed peppers internal temperature is up to snuff ( 165° F or 74° C ).

Switch it Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a twist? How about Taco Stuffed Peppers ? Use taco seasoning, some sweetcorn, and top with sour cream. Boom. Sorted.

For a vegetarian option, swap out the mince for lentils or quinoa. Bulk it up with extra veg like mushrooms or carrots.

If you fancy a Low Carb Dinner turn the peppers into Low Carb Tacos by skipping the rice. You have yourself Keto Diet Recipes using a stuffed bell peppers recipe that's super quick!

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Each serving clocks in around 350 calories. So roughly 25g of protein, 15g of fat, and 30g of carbs. They're also a good source of fiber, thanks to the peppers and veggies.

Always consider how long to bake stuffed peppers at 375 to preserve the nutritional integrity.

Go on, Give it a Go!

There you have it! Hopefully, these notes will help you nail this recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

And remember, even if it doesn't look perfect, it'll still taste amazing. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best stuffed peppers bake time to get the peppers nice and tender?

For this recipe, we recommend baking the stuffed peppers for a total of 50 minutes. Start by baking them covered with foil for 30 minutes, which helps steam the peppers and soften them.

Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes to let the tops brown nicely and the sauce bubble away a bit like getting a good crust on a shepherd’s pie!

Can I reduce the stuffed peppers bake time if I'm short on time?

You can shave off some baking time, but you'll compromise on texture. Parboiling the peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing them can shorten the baking time to around 35-40 minutes in total, but do keep an eye on them. They should be tender but not falling apart.

If the filling starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil.

My stuffed peppers are still hard after the recommended bake time. What should I do?

If the peppers are still firm, continue baking them, covered with foil, for an additional 10-15 minutes. The exact stuffed peppers bake time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your peppers, as well as your oven.

Check them every 5 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness - think "al dente" but for peppers!

Can I freeze stuffed peppers, and how does that affect the bake time?

Absolutely! You can freeze assembled, unbaked stuffed peppers. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. When baking from frozen/thawed, you'll likely need to add 15-20 minutes to the original stuffed peppers bake time.

Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're heated through properly, like you would with any minced meat dish.

What are some tips for preventing the stuffed peppers from drying out during baking?

The tomato sauce is key to keeping everything moist! Make sure you have enough sauce in the baking dish, and pour some over the tops of the peppers before baking. Covering the dish with foil for the first part of the baking process also helps retain moisture.

If they still seem dry halfway through, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to the dish a bit like basting a roast.

Can I bake stuffed peppers in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes, you can! Arrange the stuffed peppers in a slow cooker, pour the tomato sauce over them, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This method results in very tender peppers. The texture will be different from oven baked softer and more stewed but still delicious.

Just think of it as a variation on the theme, like choosing between a crumble and a pie!