Stuffed peppers are very flexible dishes that are also healthy. This dish can be enjoyed by vegetarians, people who love meat and those on a low-carb diet. Its taste and appearance are both great which is probably why many British families love it.
Here, you’ll learn how to prepare oven-baked stuffed peppers with ingredients that you can get in the UK. I will share advice that covers cooking, nutrition and many ways you can change the dish depending on your likes.
Why should I prepare my meal as stuffed peppers?
- Does not have fast food, is rich in vegetables, protein and grains
- It uses ingredients that most anyone can afford.
- It allows people on different diets to eat at the restaurant.
- Easy to Prepare: Recipe can be frozen ahead for days when you’re too busy.
Ingredients (This is enough for 4 people)
Base Ingredients:
- Bell peppers in 4 different colors (red, yellow or orange)
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- You can season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
For the next step, you will make the filling.
- 250g of lean ground beef (or if using turkey, it’s called turkey mince)
- A finely chopped small onion is needed.
- Use 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Boil 100g of basmati or brown rice, then use it.
- 1 tin’s worth of chopped tomatoes
- Use 2 tablespoons of tomato purée in the recipe.
- 1 tsp oregano
- Use ½ tsp of smoked paprika.
- Use ½ tsp of ground cumin.
- Use 75g cheddar cheese if you like to sprinkle it on top.
- Parsley or basil, roughly chopped (to use as a garnish)
If you shop at Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Morrisons, you can save time by using packs of microwaveable rice and buying pre-washed bell peppers.
Equipment Needed
- A dish that can go inside the oven.
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Foil (used during baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the peppers
First, turn on the oven and treat the peppers as mentioned above. Position your oven so it’s set to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6.
Take the tops off the peppers and clean their outside. Remove all seeds and the softer products attached to them.
Pour olive oil on all the outsides, sprinkle with salt and pepper and begin baking. Start baking the crust and use the time to make the filling.
Taking time to pre-bake the peppers makes them tender, but not moist.
Step 2: Cook the ingredients for the filling
In a frying pan, bring olive oil to heat at medium settings. Put in the chopped onions and keep cooking until they are soft.
Stir in the garlic and cook it for half a minute.
Recipe calls for 800 grams of mince. Place it in the pan and break it up with the spoon as you cook it to a brown color.
Place the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, cooked rice and all the seasonings into the pan.
Heat the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes so that it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Put in the filling and put it in the oven
Take the already-baked peppers out of the oven.
Place filling into every pepper until the cavities are full.
Spread shredded cheese over the pasta suitable for your needs.
Wrap the losely with foil and cook for 15 minutes. Once your casserole is on the foil, give it five to ten minutes more in the oven to make it golden and bubbly.
The next step is serving the food
You may top the soup with finely chopped parsley or basil. Heat the dish and serve it with salad or some crusty bread.
A mum shares her experience
Since I have a job and a family, stuffed peppers are perfect because they are so simple. I prepare the full recipe, freeze some and never lack a healthy meal for dinner. My kids really enjoy when the food is topped with cheese!
Nutrition Facts (Per Stuffed Pepper)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fibre | 6g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Salt | 1.2g |
Try preparing your burger with brown rice and lean turkey to provide significant fibre and fewer calories.
Altering & Swapping
Stuffed Peppers With Vegetables
- You can use other ground meat instead of mince.
- Quinoa or lentils can be used after they are cooked.
- Mushrooms and courgettes have been sautéed.
- Pop in some pieces of crumbled feta or paneer for more protein.
Make the meal with less or no carbs
- Instead of rice, try using either chopped broccoli or cauliflower rice.
- Using shredded mozzarella gives the pizza more fat and protein.
Mexican-Inspired
- You can use black beans, sweetcorn and chilli flakes in your chili.
- Add thinly sliced avocado and place a dab of sour cream on top.
Italian-Style
- The filling should also contain basil pesto and chopped olives.
- Place mozzarella on the top and bake it until it turns golden.
How foods can be stored and used another time
To save time, stuff the peppers the morning before and let them chill until evening.
Freezing: Allow the peppers to cool off before putting them in the freezer. Keep each cookie in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
- For a meal that has been frozen: Place in a 180°C oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Some dishes that can accompany stuffed peppers
- Basic green leaves topped with lemon vinaigrette
- Green steam or broccoli steamed is prepared
- People in North Africa serve couscous or garlic bread with these dishes.
- Baby new potatoes are roasted, not sweet potatoes.
Discover Related Articles and Resources
| Action | Description | Button Text | External Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read Related Article | Discover more about this topic and enhance your knowledge with our related article. | Read More | allrecipes |
| Watch the Video | Watch this insightful video for deeper understanding and tips. | Watch Now |
|
Frequently Asked Question
- Q: Is it possible to use different coloured peppers?
- Absolutely. Roasting red, yellow and orange peppers results in a wonderful flavor. Compared to red peppers, green peppers are stronger in taste and stay firmer if cooked in the oven.
- Q: Is it possible to prepare the dishes in advance for a dinner party?
- Yes! Get all the preparations done the evening before and only bake the muffins just as you are about to serve. Decorate the platter with your favorite herbs and serve it with either wine or a non-alcoholic drink.
- A: What are the steps for making this vegan?
- Leave out the cheese and serve with mince or lentils made from plants. Be sure the cheesy and creamy toppings are dairy-free.
- A: Can stuffed peppers be part of a meal prep recipe?
- They’re ideal! They can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten after being heated up the next day.
Sustainability Tip
A large amount of peppers and tomatoes are shipped to the UK from elsewhere. Farmers’ markets are a great choice and you can also find sustainably grown food at your supermarket. Using left-over rice and tinned goods for cooking is another way to help the environment.
Thoughts
You can get plenty of nutrition, wholesome flavor and many chances to adapt them with stuffed peppers. This dish is ideal for anyone short on time, either at home or in the office.
Looking to save money, eat less waste or find something different to eat? This is one of the best dishes. It offers a healthy mix of colors, provides every necessary nutrient and is easy to prepare.