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I remember one Fourth of July, years ago. My family decided to go all out with a patriotic-themed dinner. Red, white, and blue everything! But the one dish that really stood out were these amazing stuffed peppers my grandma made. Seriously, they wer'nt only delicious but also stunningly decorated. It's a memory – and recipe – that I cherish and now, I'm sharing this tradition with you.
These Star Spangled Stuffed Peppers are more than just eye-catching; they're packed with wholesome ingredients, providing a well-rounded meal. The combination of lean ground turkey (or beef), brown rice, diced vegetables, and flavorful seasonings creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Plus, the vibrant colors of the bell peppers, along with a sprinkle of cheese, make this dish a visual masterpiece. These are the perfect way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious meal.
Required Equipments
Large Skillet
Cutting Board
Knife
Mixing Spoon
Baking Dish
Aluminum Foil
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Star Spangled Stuffed Peppers: Frequently Asked Questions
Star Spangled Stuffed Peppers
Celebrate summer with these vibrant Star Spangled Stuffed Peppers! Bursting with flavor and color, these peppers are a festive and healthy addition to any Fourth of July barbecue or summer gathering. And yes, they taste just as good as they look!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crusial! Ensure the oven reaches the correct temperature for even cooking.
Carefully wash and core 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange for a patriotic theme). Cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes. Set the pepper halves aside.
In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground turkey (or beef) over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. No one wants greasy peppers!
Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper (use a different color than the stuffing peppers for variety), and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in 1 cup of cooked brown rice, 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (drained), 1/2 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper half, filling them generously. Don't be afraid to overfill slightly!
Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly to prevent them from tipping over during baking.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps to steam the peppers and cook them evenly.
Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack) over the top of the stuffed peppers. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
Carefully remove the Star Spangled Stuffed Peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent burning your mouth.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy!
📝 Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with cooked quinoa or lentils.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
If you dont have smoked paprika, it really doesn't make to much of a difference to leave it out. But i would not substitute it.