Description
Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers are vibrant, wholesome packages filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and herbs for a comforting yet nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange)
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Wash the bell peppers, slice each pepper lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes. Optionally par-bake face down with a little water at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
4. Add diced onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Mix in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spinach. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook until spinach wilts.
6. Fill each pepper half with the beef and rice mixture, packing firmly.
7. Place stuffed peppers in the baking dish and drizzle remaining marinara sauce over them.
8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake 15–20 more minutes until tender and melted.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Drain excess fat from the ground beef for a lighter dish.
Pre-cook grains like rice to save time during preparation.
You can swap or add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
Use different herbs or spices to customize flavor to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg