Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and colorful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of rice, meat, and aromatic herbs, making them a satisfying meal for any time of day. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also pack a flavorful punch!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it’s a great way to enjoy the freshness of vegetables, packed with healthy ingredients. Second, it’s customizable: you can use different meats or make it vegetarian based on your preference. Finally, Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers are easy to prepare, making them a wonderful option for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
How to Make Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers – 4 large, vibrant bell peppers (choose a mix of colors like red, yellow, and orange for visual appeal and varied sweetness). These sturdy peppers form the perfect edible bowls for our flavorful filling and become wonderfully tender and slightly sweet when baked.
- Cooked Rice – 1 ½ cups cooked rice (long-grain, brown rice, or even quinoa work wonderfully). Rice acts as the hearty base of our stuffing, absorbing all the delicious flavors and providing a satisfying texture. Pre-cooked rice saves time and makes this recipe even easier.
- Ground Lamb or Beef – 1 pound ground lamb or beef (for a vegetarian option, substitute with lentils or crumbled feta cheese). The savory meat adds depth and protein to the filling, creating a more substantial and satisfying meal. Lamb brings a distinctly Mediterranean flavor, while beef is a more readily available and equally delicious alternative. For a vegetarian twist, lentils offer a protein-rich and earthy substitute, while crumbled feta adds a salty and tangy dimension.
- Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Onion forms the aromatic foundation of our filling, adding a subtle sweetness and savory depth as it sautés and caramelizes.
- Garlic – 3 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, infusing the dish with its pungent and aromatic flavor. Minced garlic disperses its flavor throughout the filling beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes – 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes provide moisture, acidity, and a burst of fresh tomato flavor to the stuffing. Undrained tomatoes ensure the filling remains juicy and flavorful as it bakes.
- Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness and depth to the sauce. It also helps to thicken the filling slightly.
- Kalamata Olives – ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. Kalamata olives are a quintessential Mediterranean ingredient, bringing a briny, salty, and slightly fruity flavor that perfectly complements the other components of the dish.
- Feta Cheese – ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element to the filling. It melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of delicious, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Parsley – ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of fresh green color to the dish. It also contributes to the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Fresh Mint – ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped. Fresh mint provides a cooling, refreshing, and slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors in the filling. It’s a classic Mediterranean herb that elevates the dish.
- Dried Oregano – 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Dried oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cooking, imparting a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor. It’s essential for achieving that authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky note that complements the lamb or beef beautifully and enhances the overall spice profile of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste, optional). Red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick of heat, balancing the richness of the other flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference for spice.
- Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is the heart of Mediterranean cooking, used for sautéing, drizzling, and adding richness and healthy fats to the dish. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste). Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is essential for seasoning the filling and the peppers.
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste). Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice, rounding out the flavors and providing a pleasant bite.
Directions
Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully wash the bell peppers. Slice each pepper lengthwise from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside each pepper half, creating clean cavities for the filling. If you want the peppers to sit flat, you can slice a thin sliver off the bottom of each half.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Brown the Meat (or Sauté Lentils/Feta): If using ground lamb or beef, add it to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. For vegetarian options, add cooked lentils to the skillet and sauté briefly. If using feta, crumble it and set aside to add later.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked rice, Kalamata olives, feta cheese (if using), chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix everything together thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Peppers: Lightly drizzle the inside of each pepper half with a little olive oil. Spoon the prepared filling into each pepper half, mounding it slightly on top.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. You can add about ½ cup of water or broth to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, mint, or extra feta cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Pair them with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. They also make a lovely centerpiece for buffet-style meals.
How to Store Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
- Experiment with Filling: Feel free to mix in other ingredients such as zucchini, mushrooms, or different herbs for added flavor.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the peppers right before baking.
- Adjust the Spice: Customize the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or quinoa. You can also add more vegetables to the filling for a hearty meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes, you can use different types of peppers such as poblano or Anaheim peppers, but cooking times might vary.
2. How can I make them spicier?
To make them spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
3. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffed peppers. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra cooking time if necessary.
Enjoy making and savoring these delightful Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers!
