Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, combining the beloved flavors of broccoli and cheese rice with the classic appeal of stuffed Italian peppers. This recipe, born from a fusion of family inspiration and personal creativity, promises a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone at your table asking for more. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
To begin your culinary journey with these delectable stuffed bell peppers, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cups of Minute Rice
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 green peppers
- Pepper, to taste
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the recipe instructions:
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Prepare the Peppers: Start by parboiling the green peppers in a Dutch oven for 7-10 minutes. This will help soften them slightly and prepare them for stuffing. Once they’re tender, remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside to cool slightly.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In the same Dutch oven or a separate skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s fully done and browned. Once cooked, set the beef aside while you prepare the other components of the filling.
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Cook the Rice: Follow the instructions on the box to cook the Minute Rice to perfection. This usually involves boiling water, adding the rice, and simmering until tender. Once the rice is cooked, set it aside to cool slightly before incorporating it into the filling mixture.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture. Season with pepper to taste for an extra burst of flavor.
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Stuff the Peppers: Using a tablespoon, scoop the filling mixture into each parboiled green pepper, ensuring that each pepper is generously filled with the delicious broccoli and cheese rice mixture. Don’t be afraid to pack the filling in snugly to maximize flavor and texture.
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Top with Cheese: Once each pepper is filled, top them off with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This extra layer of cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a golden and gooey topping that’s simply irresistible.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and then place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top. Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they reach the perfect level of golden perfection without overcooking.
Once your broccoli and cheese stuffed bell peppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These flavorful delights are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, with the creamy cheese and savory filling melting in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re serving them as a satisfying main course or as a delightful side dish, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Nutritionally, each serving of these Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. With a calorie count of approximately 279.5 per serving and a protein content of 22.6 grams, these stuffed peppers offer both delicious flavor and nutritional value, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor, why not give these Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers a try? Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender green peppers, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese, all brought together in one irresistible dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
