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Stuffed Bell Peppers are a culinary masterpiece that combines vibrant colors, rich flavors, and a satisfying blend of textures. This recipe elevates the classic dish to new heights, offering a tantalizing symphony of ingredients that dance on your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is a perfect addition to your repertoire, promising a delightful experience for your palate and a feast for your eyes.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Bell Peppers:
6 large bell peppers (assorted colors for visual appeal)
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Avocado slices
Sour cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish, cut side up.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Mix in the Goodness
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Generously fill each bell pepper with the flavorful mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
Step 6: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour the tomato sauce over and around the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Step 8: Cheese, Please!
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion:
As the aroma of the Stuffed Bell Peppers wafts through your kitchen, you know you're in for a treat. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory beef, wholesome rice, and the natural sweetness of the bell peppers. The black beans and corn add a delightful twist, creating a symphony of textures that keeps your taste buds intrigued. Topped with melted cheddar and served with a zesty tomato sauce, this dish is not only a visual feast but also a celebration of flavors. Share this recipe with friends and family, and let the joy of cooking and savoring good food bring everyone together around the table. Stuffed Bell Peppers - a dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.