Table of Contents
Introduction
Stuffed bell peppers with ground meat filling is a very popular dish in Romanian households.
Classic stuffed bell peppers, whether we are talking about the ones stuffed with vegetables and rice or the ones stuffed with rice and meat, are a very easy to cook, versatile and filling dish. In addition, if we choose to refer to the version with meat, the homemade stuffed peppers represent a balanced dish, which offers us all the nutrients we need, from vegetables, grains and meat. Even the vegetarian version of these homemade stuffed peppers provides us with the necessary supply of nutrients that our body, as well as our children, need for proper development.
Jump to Full RecipeChoosing the Right Peppers
For me, the perfect peppers to use for this easy stuffed peppers recipe are the red bell peppers or the kapia peppers. I prefer to use these types of peppers for the classic stuffed peppers recipe, because they have a sweet taste, and these makes the final dish more delicious and super enjoyable for kids.
But it is not mandatory to use only red or kapia peppers. If you enjoy the taste and aroma of yellow or green peppers, those are also suitable for cooking stuffed peppers. I remember that in my home, when I was a child, my grandmother used to cook only green bell peppers, and I enjoy those too.
So, if you prefer a slightly sweet taste, I recommend using red peppers or kapia peppers. But if you prefer a slightly bitter taste, I recommend using green peppers sparingly. Yellow or orange peppers are also a little sweeter, but I don’t use them because they are not grown in the gardens of the local producers from whom I get my ingredients, but they are certainly suitable for this simple stuffed pepper recipe, as well.
The best bell peppers for cooking this amazing recipe are those with a wider opening. That is, after removing the tail and the seeds from the inside, the ideal circumference of the pepper would allow you to easily use a teaspoon to fill the pepper with the desired filling.
This is more difficult to achieve in the case of the kapia pepper, but with patience and good will, you will manage to fill the inside of this type of pepper, which is much narrower than the other types presented previously. Even if it is a little more difficult, I guarantee that the final result is so delicious that it is worth the effort.
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
The old-fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe β the easy, delicious and kidsfriendly Crock Pot meal
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker / Multicooker / Pot
- 1 Vegetable Grater
- 1 Pan
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
For the stuffed peppers:
- 10-12 pcs Bell peppers
- 2 pcs Carrots
- 1 pc Onion / shallot
- 70 g Rice
- 700 g Ground meat beef, pork, turkey or combined
- 500 g Tomato juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sweet paprika
- Vegetable Oil
- Springs of thyme
For the tomato sauce:
- 100 g Butter
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 300 g Tomato juice
Instructions
- First, if you donβt use store bought ground meat, then using a grinding machine, ground the meat that you want to use for this recipe;
- Then, using a vegetable chopper or a vegetable grater, finely grate the onion and the carrots;
- Now, pour 1 tbsp of vegetable oil into a pan and leave it to heat;
- Once heated, add the grated vegetables and the rinsed rice and Sautee them for a few minutes;
- Add salt and pepper and also sweet paprika. Feel free to add other spices that you love;
- Leave the sauteed vegetables and rice to cool;
- Meanwhile, cut the top of the peppers, so you make a hole to allow you to insert the mixture of meat, vegetables and rice;
- Wash the peppers well on the outside and inside as well;
- Using a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the rice and vegetables, and season with salt, pepper and sweet paprika;
- Using a tablespoon or a teaspoon, start filling the peppers with the composition made earlier;
- Place the stuffed peppers into the cooking pot of the Crockpot (or any other Slow cooker or multicooker, even into a simple pot);
- Pour the tomato juice and add some water, until the liquid completely covers the stuffed peppers;
- Add some springs of thyme and close the lid;
- Cook the stuffed peppers using the Slow cooking program, at LOW temperature, for 8 Hours.
- To be able to enjoy these amazing stuffed peppers with a creamy tomato sauce, simply melt 100 gr butter cut into cubes into a heated saucepan;
- Then, add 1 tbsp flour and incorporate it into the melted butter with a whisk;
- Pour 300 gr tomato juice and cook it for 5 minutes, continuing to mix with the whisk;
- Once the tomato sauce is ready, serve the stuffed peppers with hot sauce;
Nutrition
Variations and Filling Options
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, in our kitchen two types of stuffed peppers are mainly cooked.
These are stuffed peppers with ground meat and rice and vegetarian stuffed peppers.
Regarding stuffed peppers with ground meat and rice, we also have several types here, depending on the meat you want to use. Thus, we have stuffed peppers with ground beef and rice, turkey stuffed peppers, chicken stuffed peppers or stuffed peppers with ground pork and rice.
But, in the end, everyone is free to use the combination of ingredients they prefer.
I chose to present you today the old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe, as it was cooked in my childhood, using a mixture of minced beef and pork with rice and vegetables.
As you probably already know, I like to ground the meat at home because I use meat from organically raised animals that I like to mince just before using it.
But, for those of you who want to experiment with different versions of this old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe, I strongly recommend using chicken or turkey meat, whether you mix it or not, next to which you can add fresh and tasty vegetables, such as carrots, green onions, zucchini or eggplant, diced tomatoes.
But if you want to cook vegetarian stuffed peppers, I recommend that you add, in addition to your favorite vegetables, a little rice, to get a fluffier filling.
Also, don’t be shy to try to bring a Mediterranean flavor, using olives, olive oil and a little feta cheese for the vegetarian composition needed to fill the peppers.
In addition, lovers of spicy foods have the freedom to play with spices in order to obtain the flavor they prefer.
Secrets to Flavorful Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a versatile dish, that is why you have the freedom to combine flavors and textures as you wish. So, if you want a dish with an intense aroma and which is also healthy, I recommend adding aromatic vegetables to the composition with which you fill the peppers.
Therefore, do not hesitate to use carrots, green onions, parsley or other vegetables that you like. Also, don’t forget the spices. Seasoning is an extremely important step to get the perfect taste you are looking for.
Dice tomatoes and add them into the bell pepper filling, to obtain a juicy and tasty composition. And don’t forget to use the right amount of rice for the quantity of meat used. Thus, for 1 kg of minced meat, whether we are talking about ground beef, ground pork or ground turkey, use 100 gr of rice, preferably well rinsed beforehand.
Another important thing I would like to mention is that the rinsed and drained rice, together with the vegetables that can be sautΓ©ed (such as onions or carrots), should be stir-fried for a few minutes in the pan.
After they have cooled completely, add them to the composition for stuffed peppers filling. This step is important to get an extremely good taste.
Salt and pepper are the basic spices used for any type of savory dish, but don’t limit yourself at these two. Feel free to use sweet paprika, dried thyme or anything else you like.
Cooking Methods
I like to cook stuffed peppers using the Crockpot Express Multicooker. I chose to use this kitchen device because this way I get an extremely tender filling, especially if we are talking about the filling with ground meat, rice and vegetables.
However, it is not necessary to use this device. But, if you have a slow cooker or a multicooker, don’t hesitate to use them for the slow cooking function or for a preset program for meat.
I already told you on other occasions that Sofia prefers well cooked food, and the meat must be very soft to be to her taste, and for this reason I prefer to use the help of this wonderful multicooker from Crockpot to obtain tasty, tender and extremely aromatic dishes.
If you choose to cook in a pot, on the stove, then I recommend adding enough liquid (water, tomato juice or vegetable soup) to cover the stuffed peppers. If necessary, during the cooking process, add more liquid, so that the required level is always ensured.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Like most cooked dishes, stuffed peppers can be frozen and used when you need it, maybe on a busier day or when you simply crave for this dish.
For long term preservation of stuffed peppers in the freezer, I suggest you use only the peppers, not the sauce with which they can be served. It is also important to keep some of the liquid in which they boiled, which you can add into the casserole / bag. Therefore, carefully place the already cooked peppers in a casserole or bag, which can be sealed, but without squeezing the peppers.
When you want to enjoy a portion of stuffed peppers, simply let the product defrost and then, using the liquid in which they boiled when they were cooked, heat the dish on the stove or in the microwave.
You only need an extremely simple tomato sauce to make and you will be able to enjoy this easy and delicious stuffed peppers dish in no time.
For other important tips about food preservation methods for different foods, donβt hesitate to read the Food Preservation Guide, here on the blog.
Serving and Presentation
For me, the best way to enjoy these delicious stuffed peppers is with a fine tomato sauce. For this sauce you only need tomato juice, preferably homemade, and a little flour or cornstarch, to thicken the sauce.
Thus, in less than 5 minutes you will get this wonderful and creamy tomato sauce, which can be used for different types of pasta or with some wonderful kids friendly meatballs.
This recipe is kids friendly, so both the stuffed peppers and the tomato sauce have been cooked using organic, healthy and tasty ingredients that will appeal to children and suit their needs.
There are people who prefer to enjoy stuffed peppers without tomato sauce, maybe just garnished with a little sour cream. You can also cook Romanian Stuffed Peppers Soup, but we will discuss this in another article.
Health Benefits of Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a testament to how delicious and nutritious can go hand-in-hand. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of vegetables along with the benefits of protein and carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal. It’s particularly beneficial for kids and adults alike, offering essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant dish to brighten up your dinner table or a nutritious meal that caters to various dietary needs, Stuffed Bell Peppers are a perfect choice. Look at the amazing benefits that the ingredients used for this dish offer us.
- Bell Peppers: Vitamin C Champions – Bell peppers, the star of the dish, are exceptionally high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. They’re also a good source of vitamin A, which promotes eye health, and various antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress.
- Ground Meat: Protein and Iron Source – Ground meat, whether it’s beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative, adds substantial protein to the dish, essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also rich in iron, especially in the case of red meats, which is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood and supporting energy levels.
- Rice: Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates – Rice provides a comforting texture and adds energy-boosting carbohydrates to the stuffed peppers. Whole grain rice options can also contribute fiber, which aids in digestion and provides a feeling of fullness, helping to manage weight.
- Vegetables: Fiber and Nutrients Galore – Additional vegetables, such as onions, carrots, or zucchini, increase the dish’s fiber content, supporting digestive health. They also add a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, enhancing the dish’s overall nutritional profile.
- Tomato Juice: Lycopene and Hydration – Tomato juice offers lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. It also provides a good amount of hydration and vitamin C, making the stuffed bell peppers not just tasty but also incredibly healthful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to make stuffed bell peppers?
First of all, we have to prepare a composition that can be with ground meat or vegetarian. Thus, you can mix ground beef / ground turkey or ground pork together with rice and your favorite vegetables. Then add your favorite seasoning and fill the washed and cleaned peppers with this stuffing. Then cook the stuffed bell peppers in a pot / slow cooker / multi cooker in which you have added enough liquid (water, tomato juice or vegetable stock).
What to use for stuffed bell pepper filling?
The composition for the stuffed bell peppers filling can be vegetarian or with meat. For vegetarian filling, I recommend the combination of rice and your favorite vegetables, sautΓ©ed before filling the peppers.
For filling with meat, I recommend combining ground beef/ground turkey or ground pork with rice and vegetables, sautΓ©ed before filling with peppers.
Are stuffed bell peppers healthy?
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a testament to how delicious and nutritious can go hand-in-hand. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of vegetables along with the benefits of protein and carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal. It’s particularly beneficial for kids and adults alike, offering essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant dish to brighten up your dinner table or a nutritious meal that caters to various dietary needs, Stuffed Bell Peppers are a perfect choice
Which is the best sauce for stuffed peppers?
For me, the best way to enjoy these delicious stuffed peppers is with a fine tomato sauce. For this sauce you only need tomato juice, preferably homemade, and a little flour or cornstarch, to thicken the sauce.
Thus, in less than 5 minutes you will get this wonderful and creamy tomato sauce, which is the perfect choice for this dish and many others.
What are the ingredients for stuffed bell peppers?
The ingredients for stiffed bell peppers are: red/ kapia/ green/ yellow bell peppers, ground meat, rice, grated vegetables (carrots, onions), salt and pepper, sweet paprika, tomato juice, vegetable oil, water/ vegetable stock.
Which is the best way to cook stuffed bell peppers?
The best way to cook stuffed pepper, in my opinion, is by using the slow cooking method. This way you will achieve super tender stuffed peppers and the filling will also be juicy and filled with flavors. For my family, slow cooking is the best way to cook this amazing stuffed pepper recipe.
