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Israeli Stuffed Peppers
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Whipping up these Israeli stuffed peppers is a breeze. Ground beef mixed with rice and seasonings, all baked in sweet bell peppers and covered in a rich tomato sauce for the win.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
2 reviews
ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cans (10 ounce size) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons sugar
Peppers
4 green bell peppers
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup grated onion
3 tablespoons uncooked rice (not instant rice)
1 egg
3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
directions
1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft.
Add the diced tomatoes, lemon juice, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds. Rinse the inside of the peppers and set upside down on paper toweling to drain.
Combine the ground beef, grated onion, rice, egg, water, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
Fill the peppers evenly with the ground beef mixture and place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
Pour the sauce evenly over the tops of the peppers. Cover the baking dish with foil. Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Baste the peppers occasionally with the tomato sauce.
Serve the stuffed peppers hot.
recipe tips
Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a more colorful presentation.
Feel free to add to the seasonings in the ground beef mixture to taste.
Top the baked stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Try adding a sprinkle of cheese on top of the stuffed peppers during the last few minutes of baking.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
Try different types of rice, like jasmine or basmati, for a variation in texture and flavor.
common recipe questions
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the tomato sauce?
The lemon juice adds a tangy kick to the tomato sauce, balancing out the sweetness from the sugar.
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, though the flavor may vary slightly. You could also use other ground meat such as chicken or pork.
Can I make Israeli stuffed peppers ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This can be a time-saving option for busy weeknights.
How do I reheat leftover Israeli stuffed peppers?
To reheat leftover stuffed peppers, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Can I freeze Israeli stuffed peppers?
Yes, Israeli stuffed peppers can be frozen after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tools needed
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring out ingredients like rice, lemon juice, and sugar for both the sauce and the meat mixture.
Baking Dish: For holding the stuffed peppers while they bake in the oven.
Paper Towels: For blotting and draining the sliced bell peppers before filling them with the ground beef mixture.
Kitchen Knife: For cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds and ribs inside.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the ground beef, grated onion, rice, egg, water, salt, and pepper to create the stuffing for the peppers.
Saucepan: To cook the onion and create the tomato-based sauce.
Foil: To cover the baking dish and lock in moisture as the stuffed peppers bake.
what goes with it?
Garlic mashed potatoes: these creamy and flavorful potatoes will complement the savory Israeli stuffed peppers perfectly. The rich tomato sauce will pair beautifully with the garlic-infused potatoes.
Greek salad: the fresh, crisp veggies in a Greek salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty Israeli stuffed peppers. The tangy feta cheese and briny olives will add a burst of flavor that will balance out the richness of the peppers.
Lemon herb rice: the bright and zesty flavors of lemon and herbs in the rice will add a refreshing element to the meal. The rice will absorb the delicious tomato sauce from the peppers.
Garlic bread: a side of warm, buttery garlic bread will complete the meal. The garlic bread will be perfect for soaking up any leftover tomato sauce from the peppers.
Fluffy couscous: a side of fluffy couscous will soak up all the delicious tomato sauce.
Whipped feta cheese: for a fancy twist, top these stuffed peppers with a dollop of whipped feta.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Merlot: The soft tannins and fruity notes in a Merlot can complement the savory ground beef and rich tomato sauce in these stuffed peppers. Look for one with black cherry and plum flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer a white wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus and herbaceous notes can cut through the richness of the beef. Look for one with a hint of grassiness.
Syrah: With its bold flavors of blackberry and pepper, a Syrah can stand up to the hearty beef and tomato sauce in these stuffed peppers. The smoky notes in the wine can add an extra layer of depth to the dish.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Bloody Mary: If you're in the mood for a cocktail, a well-seasoned Bloody Mary can be the perfect match for these Israeli stuffed peppers. The savory and spicy flavors in the drink can mirror the bold flavors in the dish.
Amber Ale: An amber ale with its malty sweetness and hints of caramel can complement the savory beef and sweet bell peppers. The balanced flavors in the beer can enhance the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
Gin and Tonic: For a refreshing option, a classic Gin and Tonic with its crisp botanical notes can be a palate-cleansing companion to the rich and savory flavors in these stuffed peppers.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Lemonade: A tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade can offer a bright and citrusy contrast to the savory and rich flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Iced Chai Latte: If you're looking for something with warm spices, an iced chai latte can provide a comforting blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger flavors that can enhance the flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Cranberry Juice: The tartness of cranberry juice can add a refreshing zing to the savory flavors in the Israeli stuffed peppers. The fruity sweetness of the juice can complement the richness of the dish.
nutrition data
539 calories, 32 grams fat, 37 grams carbohydrates, 26 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
June 29, 2024
The lemon juice in the sauce really does set this apart from other stuffed pepper recipes. I was afraid it would be too sharp a flavor but I really liked it.
October 2, 2008
For the first time, it was okay. It usually takes me three tries to get it right for my taste buds. The meat was dry, and the sauce did not seem to do much. I will try again and submit an updated review.