Are you looking for a vibrant and filling meal that packs a punch? These pork and veggie stuffed peppers are just what you need. Bursting with flavor and color, they make for a delightful dinner option that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Imagine tender bell peppers filled with a scrumptious mixture of seasoned pork, fresh vegetables, and savory spices. This dish is not only satisfying but also versatile—perfect for meal prep or a family dinner. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together to create a delightful culinary experience.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to enjoy a wholesome meal, these stuffed peppers are a fantastic choice. They’re easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy.
Vibrant Ingredients
When creating baked stuffed peppers, the first step is selecting your bell peppers. The choice of color—red, green, or yellow—adds not only visual appeal but also a variety of flavors.
Each pepper brings its unique sweetness to the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience. Pairing these colorful ingredients with a savory filling of ground pork and fresh vegetables creates a delightful balance, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Flavorful Filling
The filling is the heart of these stuffed peppers. Ground pork provides a rich and savory base, while sautéed onions and garlic add depth and aroma.
Incorporating ingredients like cooked rice or quinoa, along with diced tomatoes and corn, rounds out the mixture. This combination not only contributes to the taste but also offers a pleasing texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender pepper shells.
Cooking Techniques
Proper cooking techniques are essential for achieving the best results. Start by preheating your oven, ensuring that the peppers will bake evenly.
When preparing the filling, sauté the onions until they are translucent, allowing their sweetness to develop. Combining these with the pork and spices ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly before being stuffed into the peppers.
Baking to Perfection
Once the peppers are filled and topped with cheese, baking them covered allows the heat to circulate while keeping the peppers moist.
Removing the foil toward the end of the cooking time permits the cheese to melt and lightly brown, adding an appealing texture and flavor to the dish. This step enhances the visual allure, making the peppers truly inviting.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that complements the rich filling.
These stuffed peppers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a simple salad for a more complete meal. Their versatility makes them suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to more festive gatherings.
Meal Prep and Storage
Stuffed peppers are an excellent option for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then store them in airtight containers.
When ready to eat, they can be reheated in the oven or microwave, maintaining their delightful flavors and textures. This makes them a convenient choice for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Pork and Veggie Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These stuffed peppers are a hearty dish featuring sweet bell peppers filled with a delicious mixture of ground pork, onions, garlic, and a medley of vegetables. Baked to perfection, they offer a satisfying blend of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground pork and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let cook for a few minutes.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the pork mixture into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to ensure they are well-filled. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the peppers to slightly brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
