Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef

Delicious stuffed peppers recipe with beef and rice

Welcome to the culinary universe of stuffed peppers! This classic recipe, full of flavors and tradition, is perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. Whether you want to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy dinner with family, stuffed peppers with beef and rice are the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

*Filling:*
- 400 g rice (preferably long-grain rice, but broken rice can also be used)
- 600 g ground beef (choose fresh, locally ground meat for better taste)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable bouillon or salt, to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large tomato, peeled and chopped (or a tablespoon of tomato paste for a more concentrated flavor)
- 2 eggs (to bind the filling)
- 20 small peppers (preferably capia or bell peppers)
- 1.5 liters tomato juice (preferably freshly squeezed or quality)
- Smoked pork rind (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the peppers:
Start by washing the peppers well. Cut off the top, including the stem, being careful not to damage their shape. Remove the seeds using a spoon or your fingers. These peppers will become the delicious containers for our filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the rice, ground meat, onion, tomato, parsley, dill, and thyme. Add the paprika, pepper, and bouillon or salt, then the two eggs. Mix well with a spatula or your hands, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. If you prefer a leaner filling, avoid frying the onion and use meat with a lower fat content.

3. Filling the peppers:
Using a spoon, carefully fill each pepper, making sure the filling is well packed. Place the stuffed peppers in a pot, snugly fitting them together to support each other. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.

4. Adding the pork rind:
If you have pork rind, cut it into small pieces and place it among the peppers. This will add a smoky note and flavor to the dish.

5. Preparing the sauce:
In a bowl, mix the tomato juice with water, ensuring there is enough to cover the peppers by about 4 fingers. Season the sauce with bouillon, salt, pepper, and, if necessary, a teaspoon of sugar to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes. Add a bit of ketchup for a sweeter and richer taste.

6. Cooking the dish:
Carefully pour the sauce over the peppers, avoiding disturbing the filling. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Once the sauce starts to boil, transfer the pot to the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for about an hour, until the peppers become soft and the filling is cooked.

Practical tips:
- If there is leftover filling, don’t throw it away! You can keep it in a bag in the freezer for later use, perhaps in other dishes or for another round of stuffed peppers.
- Instead of beef, you can experiment with pork or a combination of ground meats for a distinct flavor.
- Serve the stuffed peppers with a fresh summer salad and a portion of polenta for a complete meal.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in protein, thanks to the beef and eggs, and provides carbohydrates from the rice. Tomatoes add a good dose of antioxidants, while the herbs provide essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, if you use fresh, quality ingredients, you will achieve a healthy and tasty dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice will add a crunchier texture and is more nutritious.
- Can stuffed peppers be prepared in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the peppers and freeze them before cooking. When you want to enjoy them, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What drinks can I serve alongside stuffed peppers? Fresh lemonade or a dry white wine pair wonderfully with the dish, helping to balance the rich flavors.

This recipe for stuffed peppers with beef and rice is not only delicious but also full of tradition and family warmth. Each bite is an invitation to savor the simple and beautiful moments of life. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: filling: 400g rice (broken rice is also fine) 600g minced beef (I buy from where I choose the meat and have it minced in front of me) 2 medium onions 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon pepper (to taste) 1 tablespoon vegetable seasoning or salt to taste a bunch of parsley a bunch of dill thyme a large tomato (or a tablespoon of tomato paste) 2 eggs 20 small peppers 1.5L tomato juice pork cracklings (optional)

 Tags:  stuffed peppers rice ground meat