March 29

Italian Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Howdy, y'all! Today we're gonna whip up a delicious, hearty dish that combines the best of Italian flavors with a touch of country comfort. These Italian Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers are a mouthwatering meal perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your guests. So let's get cookin' and bring a taste of Italy to your table!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Keys to Success and Enjoyment:

  • Use fresh, firm bell peppers for the best texture and flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or even a meatless alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Be generous with the Italian seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for a perfectly seasoned dish.
Bolognese sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers stand upright. Place the peppers in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  5. Spoon the Bolognese mixture evenly into the bell peppers, filling them to the top.
  6. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Fun Facts: 

Did you know that Bolognese sauce, or "ragù alla Bolognese," originates from Bologna, Italy? This hearty meat sauce is traditionally served with tagliatelle pasta, but we've given it a twist by stuffing it into bell peppers for a fun and flavorful fusion of Italian and country cooking!

Drink And Dessert Ideas

The Italian Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of Bolognese sauce with the freshness of bell peppers. Given the robust and savory nature of this dish, here are some suggestions for drinks and dessert to complement it:

Drinks:

Italian Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers
  1. Italian Red Wine: Given the Italian influence of the dish, an Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese could pair well. These wines have a good balance of acidity and fruitiness that can complement the rich Bolognese sauce.

  2. Craft Beer: If you prefer beer, a craft beer like an Amber Ale or a Brown Ale could work well. These beers have a malty sweetness that can balance the savory flavors of the dish.

Dessert:

Italian Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone would make a delightful end to the meal. Its light and creamy texture would be a nice contrast to the hearty stuffed bell peppers.

Panna Cotta: Another Italian classic, Panna Cotta is a creamy, custard-like dessert that can be flavored with vanilla, coffee, or a variety of fruits. Its smooth and light texture would be a refreshing finish after the rich main course.

Remember, the best pairings consider the balance of flavors. You want your drink and dessert to complement the main dish, not overpower it. Enjoy your meal!


Closing Thoughts:

These Italian Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers have quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I want to serve up a little taste of Italy with a fun twist. They're a hit with both family and friends, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while they're baking is simply divine. I sure hope y'all enjoy making and sharing these scrumptious stuffed peppers just as much as I do. Happy cookin', y'all!


Tags

Comfort food, Easy dinner recipe, Ground beef, Ground turkey, Hearty meal, Italian Bolognese, Marinara sauce, Stuffed bell peppers


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