Easy Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

You know that feeling when you walk into a kitchen and instantly feel at home? That's exactly what happens when this old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe is working its magic in the oven. The mouthwatering aroma just wraps around you like a warm blanket! And oh my goodness, that first bite – there's nothing quite like watching the fork slice through that tender, colorful bell pepper to reveal its treasure: a piping hot filling of perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich tomato sauce. Trust me, when you're yearning for real, honest-to-goodness comfort food, this old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe hits all the right notes!

Let me tell you about this treasured old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe that's been bringing families together for generations. Every time I make it, I'm transported back to those precious moments in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her work her magic. She'd spend extra time at the market, carefully picking each pepper, making sure they were just right – "A good pepper should stand up proud and tall," she'd always say with a wink.

Why You'll Love This Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

whether you're a seasoned cook hoping to recreate those cherished family memories, or you're rolling up your sleeves to try this classic old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe for the very first time – you're in for such a treat! There's something wonderfully special about this dish; it's fancy enough to wow your dinner guests but cozy enough to make any weeknight feel like a warm family gathering. And here's my favorite part to share with you: while these stuffed peppers look like they took hours of kitchen wizardry, they're actually super manageable to make. That means more time for what really matters – gathering around the table, sharing stories, and creating those precious memories that make home cooking so meaningful.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
• Ingredients
• Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Instructions
• Hints and Tips
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment For Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
• Storage Instructions
• Top Tip
• Grandma's Magic Touch
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Easy Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Ingredients

For Your Stuffed Peppers:

• 6 beautiful bell peppers (pick your favorite colors - green ones are classic, but red, yellow, or orange work great too!)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 works perfectly)
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice (about ⅓ cup uncooked)
• 1 medium onion, diced into small, friendly pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if you're a garlic lover!)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (the secret to that classic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds amazing depth!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to pile on a bit more if you're a cheese fan)
• A pinch each of salt and pepper (start with ¼ teaspoon each and adjust to your taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (makes everything look and taste garden-fresh)

For Your Savory Sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce (any brand you love will work great)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (keeps the flavors consistent)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor depth)
• A gentle sprinkle of salt and pepper (start with ⅛ teaspoon each and adjust to your liking)

Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Instructions

Let's Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prep Those Perfect Peppers

First things first - let's get those peppers ready for their delicious filling!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature will cook everything evenly without burning.
2. Now for the fun part - grab your peppers and carefully cut off their tops (about ½ inch down). Think of it like giving them little haircuts! Save those tops if you'd like to use them as cute lids later. Gently remove the seeds and those light-colored membranes inside. A spoon works great for this!
3. Time for a quick pepper spa treatment! Bring a large pot of water to a boil (no need to salt it), and give your peppers a 3-5 minute bath. You'll know they're ready when they're slightly softened but still holding their shape beautifully.
4. Carefully lift them out (tongs are your friend here!) and let them rest upside down on some paper towels. This helps get rid of any extra water hiding inside.

Step 2: Create That Amazing Filling

Now let's make the star of the show - that hearty, flavorful filling!

1. Grab your largest skillet, set it over medium heat, and add your ground beef and diced onions. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks - we're looking for nice, even pieces here! Cook until there's no pink left in the meat.
2. Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. Your kitchen should start smelling absolutely amazing right about now!
3. If there's a lot of extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off. A little bit is fine - it adds flavor!
4. Now for the good stuff - add your cooked rice, those juicy diced tomatoes, 8 oz of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and that flavor-boosting splash of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
5. Time to taste! Add salt and pepper bit by bit until it's just right for you. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
6. Let this delicious mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all those wonderful flavors get to know each other better.

Step 3: Whip Up The Sauce

Let's make that tasty sauce that'll keep everything moist and flavorful!

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together your tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This sauce is going to make everything extra delicious!
2. Add just a pinch of salt and pepper - remember, the filling is already seasoned, so we don't need too much here.
3. Pour this lovely sauce into the bottom of your 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it around evenly - it'll help keep those peppers standing tall!

Step 4: Time to Put It All Together

The best part - assembly and baking!

1. Grab your peppers and fill each one generously with your beef and rice mixture. Don't be shy - pack it in there! If you have extra filling, it's great on its own too!
2. Stand your stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish, nestling them into that tasty sauce. They should look like little soldiers standing at attention!
3. Cover the dish with foil (not too tight - we don't want it touching the filling), and pop it in your preheated oven for 35 minutes.
4. After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!), and sprinkle each pepper with a generous helping of cheese. The more, the merrier!
5. Back into the oven they go for about 10 more minutes, uncovered this time. Watch for that cheese to get all melty and bubbly with some gorgeous golden spots.
6. Final touch - sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Voilà! You've just made something amazing!

Hints and Tips

• Choose peppers that can stand upright on their own for the best presentation.
• Pre-cooking the rice before adding it to the filling ensures perfect texture every time.
• For extra flavor, try using beef broth instead of water when cooking the rice.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

These Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C from the peppers, protein from the beef, and complex carbohydrates from the rice. They're a complete meal on their own but pair beautifully with:

• A crisp garden salad
• Crusty garlic bread
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted brussels sprouts

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Make it healthier: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Vegetarian version: Substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, quinoa, and black beans
• Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
• Different cheese options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend

Equipment For Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large pot for blanching peppers
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Cooked stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through

Grandma's Magic Touch

The best part about this old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe is how it carries all those cherished memories. Every grandma had her own little secrets for making these peppers extra special. Maybe it was the way she chose each pepper at the market, gently squeezing to find the perfect ones. Or perhaps it was how she'd add just a tiny pinch more of seasoning while humming her favorite tune. Some say it was the extra handful of cheese she'd sneak on top when no one was looking, with that knowing smile that said, "Everything's better with a little more love."

Those moments in grandma's kitchen taught us that cooking isn't just about following a recipe – it's about creating memories. While many modern versions exist, this old fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe stays true to those traditional flavors we all remember. Each pepper is filled with not just wholesome ingredients, but also that special touch of nostalgia that makes every bite taste like home. Whether you're making these stuffed peppers for a family dinner or sharing grandma's recipe with the next generation, you're keeping those precious kitchen memories alive.

FAQ

How did your Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe turn out?

This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, all brought together by aromatic Italian seasonings. If you're a fan of classic comfort food dishes, be sure to try our One Pound Meatloaf Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

Did you make this Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.

Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home# Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe - Classic Comfort Food

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Pairing

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