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Cabbage Roll Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef and Rice Recipe

  • Author: lila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This comforting dish combines the classic flavors of cabbage rolls with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, creating a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings. With a savory filling of beef and rice, topped with a rich tomato sauce, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (approximately ¼ of a medium head)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice and 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Ensure it’s fully cooked with no pink remaining, as this can lead to food safety issues.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  4. Mix in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), shredded cabbage, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for melding the flavors together.
  5. While the filling is cooling slightly, prepare the bell peppers. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the 4 large bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can also trim the bottom slightly if they don’t stand upright.
  6. Fill each bell pepper generously with the stuffing mixture. Pack it in gently but firmly, ensuring there’s enough filling for each pepper. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and pour the sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring they are well-covered. This not only adds moisture but also enhances the overall flavor.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. The peppers should be vibrant and cooked through but not mushy.
  9. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes them easier to handle.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Be mindful of the filling ratio. If you overstuff the peppers, they may burst during baking. Aim for a generous yet manageable amount of filling in each pepper. Consider using a large, deep baking dish for even cooking. Taste the mixture before stuffing the peppers, and adjust salt and spices as needed for maximum flavor.

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Find it online: https://kitchenyumm.com/cabbage-roll-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-beef-and-rice-recipe/