stuffed bell pepper recipe ground beef
Ingredients:
To make healthy stuffed bell peppers with meat, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Follow these steps to make healthy stuffed bell peppers with meat:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and the cooked brown rice to the skillet, and stir until well combined.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the peppers during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe Healthier:
The recipe above is already a relatively healthy option, but there are a few ways you can tweak it to make it even better for you. Here are some tips:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey: Using a leaner meat will reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer.
- Choose brown rice: Brown rice is a whole grain that contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice.
- Add more veggies: You can add more vegetables to the filling to increase the nutrient content and add more flavor. Some options include chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use low-sodium diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be high in sodium, so look for a low-sodium option to reduce the amount of salt in the dish.
- Reduce the cheese: While Parmesan cheese can add a nice flavor to the dish, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium. You can reduce the amount of cheese or leave it out altogether if you prefer.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients:
The ingredients used in this recipe offer a variety of health benefits. Here's a closer look at some of them:
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. They also contain fiber, which can help you feel full and support digestive health.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean ground beef or
Conclusion:
healthy stuffed bell peppers with meat is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This recipe uses lean ground beef or turkey, which provides protein while keeping the dish relatively low in fat. The addition of brown rice and a variety of vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
By following the tips for making the recipe even healthier, such as using low-sodium diced tomatoes and reducing the amount of cheese, you can further enhance the nutrient content and make it a healthier meal option. With a cooking time of just under an hour, this recipe is a great option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Overall, this healthy stuffed bell pepper recipe with meat is a great addition to your meal rotation and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
FAQ:
Q1. which bell pepper are best for stuffed recipe?
A. When it comes to selecting bell peppers for a stuffed bell pepper recipe, it is generally recommended to use large, round, and firm bell peppers with a deep cavity that can hold the filling well. The most commonly used bell peppers for stuffed bell pepper recipes are green, red, yellow, and orange.
Green bell peppers tend to have a slightly bitter taste, and their flavor can be somewhat overpowering when used in large quantities. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, on the other hand, are sweeter and milder in flavor, which can help to balance out the savory filling.
Additionally, the color of the bell pepper can affect its nutrient content. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are generally richer in nutrients than green bell peppers, as they have a higher concentration of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
Ultimately, the choice of bell pepper comes down to personal preference, but using a mix of different colored peppers can add a nice visual appeal to the dish.
