Mix-and-Match Stuffed Peppers
Follow our formula to create your own filling!
From left: Tofu with Lentils and Bulgur Stuffed Peppers and Beef with Black Beans and Rice Stuffed Peppers.
1. Pick a Pepper
Slice the tops off 6 bell peppers and remove the seeds; drizzle the insides with olive oil and season with salt. Arrange cut-side down in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and bake at 400˚ F until softened but not collapsed, about 20 minutes.
2. Choose Your Protein
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of protein (choose from below); season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up any meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- Ground beef
- Ground turkey
- Fresh Italian sausage (casings removed)
- Fresh chorizo (casings removed)
- Extra-firm tofu, grated and squeezed dry
3. Cook Your Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start browning, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups diced vegetables (choose 1 or 2 from below) and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potatoes
4. Add Spices
Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the vegetables and cook 1 minute. Stir in 1 tablespoon of dried spices (choose 1 from below), then add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add one 15-ounce can diced tomatoes and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any browned bits in the skillet.
- Taco seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Curry powder
- Italian seasoning
- Ras el hanout
5. Pick Your Mix-Ins
Choose 1 ingredient from Group A and stir in 1 cup (unless noted), then choose 1 grain from Group B and stir in 2 cups cooked. Return the cooked protein to the skillet and stir to combine; season with salt and pepper.
GROUP A:
- Canned beans or lentils, drained and rinsed
- Canned chopped green chiles, drained (use one 4-ounce can)
- Frozen corn
- Frozen peas
- Sour cream (use 1/2 cup)
GROUP B:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Bulgur
- Couscous
6. Bake the Peppers
Divide the filling evenly among the peppers, packing it down. Arrange upright in the baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 400˚ F until heated through, 20 minutes. Uncover and top with 1 cup shredded cheese or a mix of 1 cup panko or crushed butter crackers and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Return to the oven and bake until the tops start browning, 6 to 8 minutes.
Credits:
Recipes developed by Jessica D’Ambrosio and Khalil Hymore for Food Network Kitchen.
Photograph by Levi Brown.
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