Zesty Cream Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Hot Stuffed Bell Peppers 🌶️

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Description:

This recipe for Hot Stuffed Bell Peppers is a delightful departure from the ordinary rice-stuffed peppers. It’s a gem from my mother’s cherished recipe collection, discovered many moons ago. Perfect for the autumn season when the peppers are at their freshest, this dish promises flavors that will dance on your taste buds.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prep the Peppers:

   • Remove the tops from the green peppers and discard the seeds.
   • Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and a bit of chopped pepper from the tops. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.

3. Cook the Meat Mixture:

   • Add the ground beef to the skillet along with salt, Tabasco sauce, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.

4. Thicken the Mixture:

   • Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine.
   • Pour in the beef or vegetable stock and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer to Perfection:

   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Preheat the Oven:

   • While the meat mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Stuff and Bake:

   • Remove the bay leaves from the meat mixture.
   • Spoon the meat mixture into the blanched peppers and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
   • Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

8. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

   • While the peppers are baking, make the creamy sauce.
   • In a saucepan, combine the cream cheese, half-and-half cream, salt, and cayenne pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce gently over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Be careful not to let it boil.

9. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the peppers are done baking, remove them from the oven.
   • Pour the hot creamy sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring they are well covered.
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and begins to brown slightly.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Remove the Hot Stuffed Bell Peppers from the oven.
    • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
    • Serve immediately while piping hot, and savor the wonderful flavors of this comforting dish!

Notes:

• These Hot Stuffed Bell Peppers make for a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious meal the next day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 693.4
• Total Fat: 54.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 23.5g
• Cholesterol: 152.1mg
• Sodium: 1460mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22.3g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.9g
  • Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 29.6g

Recipe Tags:

Peppers, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, these Hot Stuffed Bell Peppers are sure to impress! With a hearty meat filling, flavorful spices, and a creamy topping, each bite is a symphony of deliciousness. Give this recipe a try and let it become a cherished favorite in your own collection! 🌶️🍴