Embark on a culinary journey with these mouthwatering Stuffed Peppers, a perfect blend of robust flavors and comforting textures. This recipe transforms simple bell peppers into a spectacular dish that combines tender beef, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs. A true crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to your table.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 6 bell peppers (mixed colors recommended)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 14 oz (400g) ground beef
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh marjoram, finely chopped
- 7 oz (200g) feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
- 9 tablespoons (135 ml) heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish.
- Prepare Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove seeds and membranes, creating neat pepper cups.
Preparing the Filling
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook until beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Season the Mixture: Season the beef with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh marjoram. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add Tomatoes: Incorporate diced tomatoes and tomato paste into the beef mixture. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavors.
Assembling the Stuffed Peppers
- Cheese Integration: Crumble feta cheese and gently fold into the beef mixture, creating a rich and creamy filling.
- Stuff the Peppers: Carefully fill each pepper cup with the beef and cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed peppers in the baking dish, standing upright.
- Add Liquid: Pour beef broth and heavy cream around the peppers, creating a flavorful cooking liquid.
Baking
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the peppers to absorb the cooking liquid and makes serving easier.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420-450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
Pro Tips
- Choose bell peppers of similar size for even cooking.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Fresh marjoram provides the best flavor, but dried can be substituted.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
- Pair with a light salad or crusty bread.
- Garnish with additional fresh marjoram or parsley.
Indulge in these Cheesy Beef Stuffed Peppers – a comforting meal that brings the essence of home-cooked goodness to your plate!