Stuffed Peppers with Minced Beef and Rice
Why this recipe works
- Complete and satisfying: Minced beef, rice and tomato sauce create a filling main course without needing many extras on the plate.
- Tomato balance: Tomato purée and chopped tomatoes add acidity and depth, keeping the beef and rice mixture savoury rather than heavy.
- Good for planning ahead: The stuffed peppers can be cooled, stored and reheated well, making them useful for leftovers or meal prep.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the rice just tender: Cook the rice only until just done before mixing it into the filling, as it will continue to absorb moisture during baking.
- Help the peppers soften: A small splash of water in the baking dish creates steam, which helps the pepper halves become tender without drying out.
Make-ahead tips
- Assemble in advance: Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Reheat thoroughly: Reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot throughout, covering loosely with foil if the peppers start to colour too quickly.
- Freeze cooked portions: Cool completely before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating until hot throughout.
Ingredient swaps
- Use sweeter peppers: Swap green peppers for red peppers if you prefer a softer, sweeter flavour.
- Lighten the base: Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a less meaty, lighter-tasting tomato sauce.
- Change the herb finish: Fresh basil can replace parsley for a sweeter, more aromatic finish.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the filling too wet: Simmer the tomato mixture until slightly thickened before adding the rice, so the peppers do not become watery as they bake.
- Skipping moisture in the dish: Without a little water in the base of the baking dish, the peppers can dry before they become tender.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Cook the rice in a saucepan of lightly salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
- Meanwhile, halve the peppers lengthways and remove the seeds and pith. Finely chop the onion and crush the garlic.
- Warm a frying pan over medium heat and cook the onion with a pinch of the salt for 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned with no pink remaining. Stir in the tomato purée for 1 minute.
- Tip in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, then simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with the remaining salt and a good grind of black pepper.
- Stir the cooked rice into the beef and tomato mixture until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more black pepper if needed.
- Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish and spoon the filling into each one, packing it in gently. Add a small splash of water to the base of the dish to help the peppers steam as they bake.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is piping hot throughout. Rest for 2 minutes, then scatter over the parsley and serve.
Recipe notes
Tips
- If the peppers are browning too quickly before they are tender, cover the dish loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes.
- For best texture, keep the rice just tender before mixing so it does not turn mushy during baking.
- If serving anyone who is vulnerable, ensure the filling is piping hot throughout before serving.
Substitutions
- Replace Green pepper with red pepper for a sweeter flavour.
- Replace Beef stock with vegetable broth for a lighter, less meaty base.
- Replace Fresh parsley with fresh basil for a softer, sweeter herb finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot, or microwave in short bursts until hot throughout; freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 55min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: British
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