Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/14 checked
6
servings
7 unit

Bell Peppers

cleaned, topped

1.5 cup

Onions

chopped

1 tbsp

Butter

unsalted

29 unit

Italian Stewed Tomatoes

canned

4 cloves

Garlic

minced

2 tbsp

Brown Sugar

packed

1.5 tsp

Kosher Salt

coarse

1 cup

Cooked Rice

cooked

0.25 cup

Ketchup

2 tbsp

Worcestershire Sauce

0.25 tsp

Fresh Ground Pepper

1 lb

Lean Ground Beef

0.25 lb

Bulk Italian Sausage

0.5 cup

V8 Vegetable Juice

Step 1
~6 min

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the spines and seeds.

Step 2
~6 min

Blanch the bell peppers in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3
~6 min

In a saucepan, saute 1 cup of chopped onion in butter until tender.

Step 4
~6 min

Add the Italian stewed tomatoes, minced garlic, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to the saucepan.

Step 5
~6 min

Simmer the tomato sauce mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6
~6 min

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, fresh ground pepper, the remaining chopped onion, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.

Step 7
~6 min

Add the lean ground beef and bulk Italian sausage to the bowl. Mix well, being careful not to overmix the meat.

Step 8
~6 min

Pour half of the tomato sauce mixture into a baking dish large enough to hold all the peppers.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 9
~6 min

Stuff the bell peppers with the meat mixture and place them into the baking dish.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 10
~6 min

Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed bell peppers.

Step 11
~6 min

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for approximately 45 minutes. Check frequently towards the end to prevent burning.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 12
~6 min

Optionally, top the cooked bell peppers with slices of Muenster cheese before serving.

Step 13
~6 min

Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot with rye/pumpernickel striped bread.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.

Use a variety of colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing dish.

To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, use day-old cooked rice.

For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.

If using vegetable juice, ensure it's low in sodium.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The filling can be prepared a day in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad.

Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Italian salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy (Inspired)

Cultural Significance

A comforting and family-friendly dish.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Family Dinners
Holidays

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Weeknight Meal
Comfort Food

Popularity Score

65/100

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