Simple Pork Stuffed Bell Peppers
Category: Pork and Other Red Meat
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 26 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 4 servings
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cajun spice | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground pork | 1 pound |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 cloves |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Large bell peppers, tops cut off and deseeded | 4 bell peppers |
| Salt | Pinch |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Fat | 3.0 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 3.0 grams |
| Protein | 10.0 grams |
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and pork (ground). For those with lactose intolerance or avoiding animal products, cheese can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative, and ground pork can be replaced with a plant-based meat substitute.
Dietary Preferences:
- Gluten-free (ensure no cross-contamination in preparation)
- Low-carb: Suitable for low-carb diets like Keto.
- Paleo: Can be adapted by using compliant seasoning and cheese alternatives.
- Dairy: Contains dairy (cheddar cheese); can be adjusted to dairy-free if necessary.
Instructions:
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Prepare the pan: Begin by heating a pan over medium-high heat. This will be used to cook the filling for the stuffed peppers.
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Heat the oil: Add your preferred cooking oil (olive oil works wonderfully) into the pan and allow it to heat up for a minute.
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Cook the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion into the pan. Sautรฉ them for about 4 minutes until softened and aromatic, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Brown the meat: Add the ground pork to the pan and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Stir the meat gently, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
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Season the mixture: Season the meat mixture with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
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Add Cajun spice and tomato paste: Sprinkle in the Cajun spice and stir in the tomato paste, allowing them to incorporate well with the meat mixture. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is evenly combined.
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Stuff the bell peppers: Carefully stuff the cooked meat mixture into the deseeded bell peppers. Ensure that each pepper is packed with a generous amount of filling.
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Grill the stuffed peppers: Place the stuffed peppers on a preheated grill and top them with shredded cheddar cheese. Grill for 3 minutes on each side, allowing the peppers to char slightly and the cheese to melt.
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Serve and enjoy: Once done, remove the peppers from the grill. Divide the stuffed peppers between plates, and serve immediately. Enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish!
Advice:
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the bell peppers over an open flame instead of using a stovetop grill.
- If you prefer a more intense heat, feel free to add extra Cajun spice or incorporate diced jalapeรฑos into the filling.
- This recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese of your preference like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Conclusion:
These Simple Pork Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful, quick, and easy meal that packs a punch with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend barbecue, these stuffed peppers provide a satisfying balance of savory ground pork, zesty Cajun seasoning, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a tender bell pepper. Enjoy them as a solo dish or pair with a light side salad for a complete meal.
