Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and colorful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. These vibrant peppers are not only visually appealing but also full of healthy ingredients. They serve as a perfect edible bowl for a savory filling made with rice, warm spices, and juicy tomatoes. This dish makes for an excellent weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to any gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many great reasons to make Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers! First, they’re packed with nutrients from the colorful vegetables and fresh herbs. You can customize the filling to suit your taste, making them vegetarian or using different meats. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days. The flavors meld together beautifully as they bake, ensuring a meal that feels comforting and satisfying.

How to Make Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

To create these mouthwatering stuffed peppers, follow these simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how easy and fun it is to prepare this dish at home!

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.
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.
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.
Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste intensifies the flavor and adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Kalamata Olives – ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. Kalamata olives bring a briny, salty, and slightly fruity flavor that perfectly complements the other components of the dish.
Feta Cheese – ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds a salty and creamy element to the filling, melting slightly during baking.
Fresh Parsley – ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Fresh Mint – ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped. Fresh mint provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory filling.
Dried Oregano – 1 teaspoon dried oregano. This herb imparts a warm, earthy flavor essential for achieving that authentic taste.
Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Ground cumin adds a warm and slightly smoky note.
Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). These provide a kick of heat, balancing the richness of the other flavors.
Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons olive oil. A key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking.
Salt – 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste). Salt enhances all the flavors.
Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste). Provides a pleasant bite.

Directions:

Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully wash the bell peppers, slice them lengthwise from top to bottom, and remove seeds and membranes.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Brown the Meat (or Sauté Lentils/Feta): If using ground lamb or beef, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. If using lentils, add cooked lentils and sauté briefly. If using feta, set it aside for later.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavors.
Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice, Kalamata olives, feta (if using), chopped parsley, and mint. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Stuff the Peppers: Lightly drizzle the insides of each pepper with olive oil. Spoon the filling into each half, mounding it slightly.
Bake to Perfection: Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add ½ cup of water or broth to the bottom, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or mint, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of feta if desired.

How to Serve Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Serve these stuffed peppers hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese. They make a wonderful main dish and pair well with a side salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy the bright and fresh flavors!

How to Store Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

If you have leftovers, let the stuffed peppers cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn!

Tips to Make Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Choose Colorful Peppers: Mixing different colored peppers not only makes the dish look appealing, but it also adds a variety of flavors.
Use Pre-cooked Rice: To save time, use leftover or pre-cooked rice.
Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit them for a milder taste.

Variation

You can easily switch up the filling! For a vegetarian option, use lentils or swap the meat for chickpeas. You can also experiment with different herbs, like thyme or basil, for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
What can I serve with Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers?
They pair well with a simple green salad, Greek yogurt, or tzatziki sauce for added creaminess.
How long do stuffed peppers last in the fridge?
Stuffed peppers can last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your Mediterranean adventure with these delightful stuffed peppers!

0 Shares