Whether you are looking for a fun new way to make peppers, or a hearty, heartwarming staple dish, this recipe has got you covered. Stuffed peppers are one of my grandma’s most memorable dishes, bringing together the warmth and juiciness of both the meaty filling, and the pepper itself. Feel free to use whatever kind of pepper suits you, making this customizable to your liking.
Serves 6
| Calories Per Serving: 328 |
| Protein: 22.4g |
| Fats: 18.5g |
| Carbs: 28.4g |
Ingredients
- 6 Orange Peppers
- 1 Roma Tomato
- 1/2 Yellow Onion
- Parsely
- 1/2 Package Ground Beef
- 1/2 Package Lean Turkey
- 2 Large Cloves of Garlic
- 1/2 Cup Jasmine Rice
- 1/2 Package Paprika Stuffed Pepper Mix
- 1 tsp Red Paprika Powder
- 2 tsp Table Salt
- Pepper
- 3 tbsp Oil
- 1 tbsp Flour
- Saute onion over medium/high heat, removing from stove top once caramelized
- In a medium sized bowl, add together half the package of ground beef with half the package of lean pork. Once onions are caramelized, add on top of meat.
- Chop up garlic cloves and add into bowl along with chopped and rinsed parsley, combine with rinsed jasmine rice
- Add stuffed pepper packaged mix, red paprika powder, and salt and pepper to preference. Thoroughly mix with hands.
- OPTION: add a few drops of water if preferred consistency is softer and creamier
- Cut and rinse peppers by removing top and scraping out the insides with a spoon (TIP: be sure to cut strategically, avoiding the body of the pepper as they need to be filled later on)
- Rinse peppers once again to remove excess seeds before laying them face down to dry
- Use meat mixture to stuff peppers to the top
- With excess meat mixture, roll into large meatball-like shapes and set aside
- In a nonstick pan, mix 2 tbsp of oil with flour to brown. Add paprika and boiling water to mixture once cooking
- Once all ingredients in pot are combined and boiling, add stuffed peppers, leftover meat mixture balls, and sliced tomato
- Let simmer on medium heat for 1.5-2 hours
- SIDE DISH SUGGESTION: Slice 3 large potatoes into cubes and cook in a pot of boiling water for 10-12 minutes
- Enjoy!
Benefits of Stuffing Peppers
Rich in nutrients by default, stuffed peppers provide a plethora of vitamins A, C, and various other antioxidant properties that support the immune system and collagen production throughout the body.
Additionally, their relatively low calorie and high water content provides a satiating, weight-loss suitable option for those invested in a volume-eating journey.
Meat is not the only suitable stuffing for this delectable dish as plenty of other substitutes such as rice, quinoa, and vegetable medleys create the perfect diet customization for any crowd you may be serving.
A cultural crowd pleaser by nature, the plethora of variations within this dish make it suitable for any taste palate. From Mediterranean turkey to vegetarian stuffed glory, and salsa chicken, to halloumi bake, the possibilities and versatility goes far beyond one variation of this dish.
Stuffed Pepper Origins
Originating back in ancient Mediterranean times, stuffed peppers have served as a vibrant, healthy, and delicious dish for many Eastern European countries and cultures. Additionally, it is recognized in the western world by taking on a bold Italian, Greek or Spanish flavour combination that aligns with cultural flavours.
This recipe showcases a Croatian rendition of the dish, hence the title ‘Baka’s Stuffed Pepper’s’ encompassing her signature recipe made with love and served for the last 40+ years.
Conversely, the practice of stuffing vegetables dates back to ancient Middle Eastern cultures with the creation of the Dolma dish which inspired and flourished recipe-making in the Mediterranean countries. In later decades, Bell Peppers became the most commonly used vegetable for stuffing in the Mediterranean regions due to their suitable climate.
Greece is cited for making the ‘Gemista’ known for containing a healthy combination of brown rice, herbs, ground meat and feta cheese.
Italy, stuffed veggies with a vast variety of meats and other vegetables sauteed in tomato sauce.\
Spain’s Pimientos is typically filled with a mixture of meats, rice and spices; influenced by the Moorish communities way of recipe implementation.
Stuffed Peppers are now enjoyed worldwide, frequently served in family gathering settings. The multitude of cultural and dietary variations certainly help with altering this recipe to make it family friendly for any crowd.
FunQuestion – What Kind of Rice is Most Commonly Used in Stuffed Peppers?
This recipe uses jasmine rice, which is traditionally used in stuffed peppers. However, substitute it for brown rice if preferred! (not to mention the added whole-grains)
Cites and References
RD, R. Mogeni, Kristen Fleming. ‘Are Stuffed Peppers Healthy? Nutrition Facts Plus 20+ Recipe Ideas!’ BetterMe Blog, 7 Oct. 2021, https://betterme.world/articles/are-stuffed-peppers-healthy/.
Three Variations of Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers to Make at Home. https://www.munchery.com/blog/three-variations-of-mediterranean-stuffed-peppers-to-make-at-home/. Accessed 30 May 2024.