Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Meat and Vegetables

This recipe for hearty stuffed bell peppers is a classic comfort food that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. It takes a humble bell pepper and transforms it into a beautiful, edible vessel, filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, tender vegetables, and aromatic spices. The dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a complex and comforting flavor profile. It’s a fantastic all-in-one meal that is perfect for a family dinner, providing a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and a delicious, baked finish. The final touch of melted cheese and a tangy sour cream sauce elevates the dish from a simple weeknight meal to something truly special.

Ingredients

• 3 large bell peppers (any color)
• 200 g minced meat (ground beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 50 g peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil, for cooking
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 70 g shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 70 g sour cream (30 g + 40 g)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

 

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Lightly grease a baking dish that can hold the three peppers upright.
2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. You can dice the pepper tops to add to the filling if you wish.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large pan or skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the diced potato to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes. Then add the diced tomato and the peas. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Herbs de Provence. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly.
6. Turn off the heat. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the two eggs and stir them into the meat and vegetable filling. This will act as a binder.
7. Stuff the peppers: Carefully spoon the filling mixture into each of the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it firmly but not too tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the greased baking dish.
8. Bake for the first round: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This will cook the peppers and the filling through.
9. Prepare the sauce and topping: While the peppers are baking, in a small bowl, mix together the 70 g of sour cream, the two cloves of minced garlic, and the chopped fresh dill.
10. Finish baking: After 30 minutes, remove the peppers from the oven. Top each one with the shredded cheese and then spoon the sour cream mixture over the cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is warmed through.
11. Let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrients

• Protein: High, from meat, eggs, and cheese
• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (per stuffed pepper)
• Fats: Saturated and unsaturated fats from meat, cheese, and sour cream
• Carbohydrates: Moderate, from potatoes and vegetables
• Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B vitamins, potassium, and iron.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it is the ultimate expression of home-style comfort food. It’s a complete, well-rounded meal in one convenient package, providing a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The tender, mild bell pepper is a perfect vessel for the rich, savory meat and vegetable filling. The addition of a tangy sour cream sauce and a gooey, cheesy top elevates the dish, making it feel both familiar and indulgent. This recipe is also incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a reliable staple for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. It is a hearty, wholesome meal that will leave you feeling completely nourished and satisfied.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The tradition of stuffing vegetables is a culinary practice found in many cultures across the globe. Stuffed bell peppers, in particular, are a common dish in various cuisines, including those of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The dish’s origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where rice and minced meat were often used to stuff vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and eggplants, creating dishes like dolma. From there, the recipe spread, evolving to reflect local ingredients and preferences. The addition of sour cream and dill, as seen in this recipe, is a hallmark of Eastern European and Russian versions of the dish, while the use of cheese is a more modern, global touch. This recipe is a beautiful testament to how a simple culinary idea can be adapted and reinterpreted to become a beloved comfort food in countless regions.

Ingredient Spotlight

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in the final dish. The bell peppers are more than just a container; they become tender and slightly sweet when baked, adding a beautiful color and a mild flavor to the overall dish. The minced meat provides the rich, savory core of the filling. A mix of ground beef and pork can provide a moister and more flavorful result. The potato and peas add substance and texture, helping to create a well-rounded and hearty filling. The eggs are essential as a binder, ensuring the filling holds its shape and doesn’t crumble out of the peppers. The smoked paprika and Herbs de Provence are the key spices, giving the filling its warm, aromatic, and savory depth. The final sour cream and cheese topping is what truly sets this dish apart, adding a creamy, tangy, and rich finish that perfectly complements the savory filling.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help the cheese to re-melt and the pepper to maintain its texture. For a quicker option, you can microwave the peppers, though the texture of the pepper and the melted cheese may not be as good.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste. For a meatless version, you can replace the minced meat with cooked rice, lentils, or quinoa. You can also add more vegetables to the filling, such as finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or corn. For a different flavor profile, you could swap the cheese for crumbled feta or a sharp provolone. The final sour cream sauce can also be changed; try mixing in a spoonful of a spicy condiment like sriracha or a little mustard for a different kick. You can also use different herbs in the filling, such as fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary, to give it a unique flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A side of warm, crusty bread would be perfect for soaking up any extra juices from the baking dish. You could also serve it with a side of steamed green beans or asparagus. As for beverages, a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a simple lager would be a great choice. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon would also be a great choice.

Health Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits. The bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are important for immune function and vision. The minced meat and cheese provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. The vegetables like potatoes, onions, and peas contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The sour cream and cheese provide calcium for strong bones. By making this meal at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s a wholesome and nourishing choice.

Conclusion

This Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Meat and Vegetables recipe is a perfect example of a dish that is both simple and deeply satisfying. Its rich, savory filling and a beautiful presentation make it a meal that is both comforting and impressive. It’s a go-to dish for those moments when you want something delicious, healthy, and easy to make. This recipe is a testament to the fact that classic, home-style food can be both nourishing and a true pleasure to eat.