Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering recipe that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coastlines of the Mediterranean! These Beef and Bulgur Stuffed Peppers are not just a meal; they're an experience that combines hearty ground beef, nutty bulgur wheat, and vibrant bell peppers into a dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight cooking, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers and carefully cut off their tops. Remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow vessels for stuffing. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, cook the bulgur wheat according to package instructions. Typically, this involves combining bulgur with water, bringing to a boil, then simmering until water is absorbed and bulgur is tender.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in cumin and paprika, coating the meat evenly with the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cooked bulgur to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully fill each bell pepper with the beef and bulgur mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle some additional cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the tops to brown slightly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- For extra flavor, toast the bulgur wheat in a dry skillet for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its nutty taste.
- Don't overstuff the peppers - leave a little room at the top for the filling to expand while baking.
- If you want to make the dish even more exciting, experiment with different cheese toppings like feta or mozzarella.
- For a meal prep friendly option, these stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make them easier to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 382kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 64mg
