Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted bell pepper, bursting with a mouthwatering blend of savory ground beef, tender spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. These Spinach and Meat Stuffed Peppers are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a nutritious weeknight meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen superstar!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers and carefully cut them in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef and return the skillet to the stove. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Arrange the pepper halves in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Generously fill each pepper half with the meat and spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground Italian sausage.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat to prevent the peppers from becoming soggy.
- If you want a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
- Prep the peppers and filling ahead of time to make weeknight cooking a breeze.
- For a crispy top, broil the peppers for 1-2 minutes after baking to get a golden cheese crust.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 358kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 78mg
