Description
Peperoni Ripieni, or Stuffed Peppers, is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, cheeses, and aromatic herbs. Baked to golden perfection in marinara sauce, these stuffed peppers make a hearty and comforting meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Rub the outsides of the peppers with olive oil and set them upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cooked white rice, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and chopped fresh parsley until evenly combined.
- Fill the Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously but without overpacking.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers and around them in the baking dish to keep them moist during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the peppers and meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tops of the peppers are golden and the peppers are tender.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian variation.
- Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only adds visual appeal but also different subtle flavor notes.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the marinara sauce is free from gluten-containing ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before the final bake can create a deliciously cheesy crust.
