Discover the vibrant flavors of Greece with our irresistible Greek Stuffed Green Peppers! This delightful dish combines succulent ground lamb or beef with aromatic herbs and spices, all nestled inside tender, roasted green peppers. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these stuffed peppers are not only visually stunning but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your cooking game? Dive into this recipe and unlock the secrets to creating a Mediterranean masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 green bell peppers
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Feta cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Wash the green bell peppers and carefully cut off their tops. Remove seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity for stuffing. Set peppers aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add ground lamb or beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Carefully stuff each prepared green pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. If needed, trim the bottom slightly to help them stand.
- Pour a small amount of water or additional tomato sauce around the peppers to prevent burning and add moisture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the peppers to slightly char and become tender.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top each pepper with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or additional oregano for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Peppers: Look for firm, vibrant green bell peppers that have a good shape for stuffing. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots to ensure they hold up during cooking.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling! You can add other vegetables like chopped spinach or zucchini, or even swap out the meat for a vegetarian option using lentils or quinoa.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to serve.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the filling before stuffing the peppers. It will brighten up the dish beautifully.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just pop them in the oven when you're ready to bake for a quick and easy meal.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional oregano on top not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the stuffed peppers perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
