Drinking while cooking can indeed loosen you up, making those kitchen experiments a bit more adventurous. Inspired by a relaxed weekend vibe and a desire to use up fridge staples, I embarked on creating stuffed bell peppers – a dish that’s both comforting and versatile, much like something you’d find in the Pioneer Woman’s kitchen.
My fridge held a pound of ground pork, leftover rice, some green bell peppers, celery, Parmesan, and a ripe heirloom tomato (kept at room temperature, of course!). Having previously made Greek stuffed peppers, I was familiar with the concept but wanted to introduce pork into the mix for a richer flavor, reminiscent of hearty family meals.
Drawing inspiration from online recipes, including insights from chefs like Nigel Slater, I decided to sauté aromatics, build a tomato base, and then combine it with pork and rice for the stuffing. This approach felt both intuitive and aligned with the kind of wholesome, approachable cooking championed by the Pioneer Woman.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about stuffing peppers; it’s about creating a warm, inviting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy weekend. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making these stuffed bell peppers again and again:
- Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of savory pork, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Easy to Customize: Like many Pioneer Woman recipes, this one is adaptable. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Ground beef, turkey, or even lentils can replace the pork.
- Perfect for Using Leftovers: Got leftover rice? This is a fantastic way to repurpose it into a brand-new, exciting meal.
- Family-Friendly: Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to get vegetables onto the plate in a fun and appealing way for the whole family.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time and bake them just before dinner, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious stuffed bell peppers:
- 4-6 Bell Peppers (green, red, yellow, or a mix)
- 1 pound Ground Pork (or ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian alternative)
- 1 cup Cooked Rice (any type)
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dried Basil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman style stuffed bell peppers:
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can parboil the peppers for 5 minutes to soften them slightly if desired, but this is optional.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Pork: Add ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Combine Stuffing: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked rice. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the pork and rice mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously. You can top with grated Parmesan cheese at this point if you like.
- Bake: Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and pour a little extra tomato sauce around the base of the peppers (optional). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the stuffed bell peppers cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Pepper Choice: Use a mix of colored bell peppers for visual appeal and a slightly varied flavor. Green peppers are slightly more bitter, while red and yellow are sweeter.
- Rice Options: Any cooked rice works – white, brown, or even quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stuffing for a little heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses for topping – mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground pork with lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground meat substitute.
Conclusion
These Pioneer Woman inspired stuffed bell peppers are a testament to simple, flavorful cooking. They are easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a way to use up leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, grab those bell peppers and get ready to create a dish that’s both wholesome and delicious!
