Stuffed peppers with beef and pork
Delicious stuffed peppers recipe with beef and pork
Stuffed peppers are a dish that evokes family meals, the warmth of home, and moments spent with loved ones. This classic recipe, full of flavor, combines simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients to create a dish that will delight even the most discerning palates. Whether served as a main course or as an appetizer, stuffed peppers are always an inspired choice.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 5
Ingredients
- 10 medium bell peppers (approximately 750 g)
- 200 g fresh tomatoes or 100 g canned tomatoes
- 200 g ground beef
- 100 g ground pork
- 150 g onion
- 100 ml oil
- 75 g rice
- 50 g tomato paste
- 1 egg
- 50 g parsley root
- 50 g carrots
- 25 g flour
- 15 g sugar
- 125 g yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the peppers
1. Washing and preparing the peppers: Start by washing the peppers well. Cut off the top of each pepper and carefully remove the stem and seeds. This step is essential to ensure that the filling will fit smoothly. Bell peppers are the ideal choice due to their thick skin and sweet flavor.
2. Preparing the filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the grated carrots and parsley root, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes. These vegetables will add a special flavor to the filling.
3. Meat and rice: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, the washed rice, and the onion, carrot, and parsley mixture. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), tomato paste, egg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until homogeneous.
Filling the peppers
4. Filling the peppers: Using a spoon, fill each pepper with the meat mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the rice to expand during cooking. Make sure the filling is well packed.
Preparing the sauce
5. Tomato sauce: In the same skillet where you sautéed the vegetables, add 200 ml of water, sugar, and the remaining tomatoes (if using fresh). Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavors.
Baking the peppers
6. Cooking the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a deep baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over them and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake the peppers in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let them bake for another 15 minutes to brown nicely.
Serving
7. Finishing: Once the peppers are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can choose to serve them with a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream on top, sprinkling fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
Practical tips
- Choosing the peppers: Opt for firm-textured bell peppers with vibrant colors. These will not only add a pleasant appearance but also a delicious taste to the dish.
- Variations: You can experiment with the filling by adding mushrooms or other vegetables. You can also replace the rice with quinoa for a healthier option.
- Slow cooking: If you have time, a delicious option would be to cook the peppers in a slow cooker. This will allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.
Nutritional benefits
Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, positively impacting the immune system. Ground beef and pork provide high-quality proteins, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequently asked questions
- Can stuffed peppers be frozen? Yes, stuffed peppers can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in airtight containers. When you want to consume them, let them thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven.
- Can I use ground chicken? Yes, ground chicken is a leaner alternative and can provide a delicious filling. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster.
- What can stuffed peppers be paired with? These peppers are delicious alongside a fresh salad or mashed potatoes. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or white wine, pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Stuffed peppers with beef and pork are a wonderful choice for a family meal or to impress guests. This classic recipe combines tradition with taste, offering a hearty and flavorful dish. Don't hesitate to adapt it to your preferences and experiment with ingredients. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories!
Ingredients: For 5 servings: fresh/canned tomatoes - 200 g/100 g beef - 200 g pork - 100 g fat - 10 pieces (750 g) oil - 100 ml rice - 75 g onion - 150 g flour - 25 g tomato paste - 50 g egg - 1 piece parsley root - 50 g carrots - 50 g sugar - 15 g yogurt/sour cream - 125 g/75 g fresh parsley - 1 bunch salt and pepper to taste
