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Grilled Stuffed Peppers finished recipe

Grilled Stuffed Peppers

Grilled Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, flavorful meal made with tender bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese. Cooking them on the grill gives the peppers a lightly smoky flavor while keeping the filling moist and satisfying. They're a great choice for
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 stuffed pepper halves

Ingredients
  

For the Bell Peppers
  • 4 large bell peppers approximately 11/2 pounds (680 g) total, any color, washed, halved lengthwise, and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
For the Beef and Rice Filling
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean, refrigerated
  • 1 medium yellow onion approximately 1 cup (150 g), finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves approximately 2 teaspoons (6 g), minced
  • 11/2 cups cooked white rice cooled
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

Method
 

Method
  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers.
  2. Wash and dry the 4 bell peppers: Slice each pepper in half lengthwise through the stem area, then remove the seeds and white membranes. Trim away any hard stem pieces while keeping the pepper halves intact. Brush the outside of each half lightly with the 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil. Set them cut-side up in the 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) metal pan. The peppers should sit upright without tipping.
  3. Preheat the Grill.
  4. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C), allowing approximately 10 to 15 minutes for heating while you prepare the filling. Arrange the grill for indirect cooking, with a burner turned off or a charcoal-free area beneath the pan. Close the lid and allow the temperature to stabilize. The grill should maintain steady heat without direct flames beneath the peppers.
  5. Cook the Ground Beef.
  6. Place the 12-inch (30 cm) skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound (454 g) ground beef and the diced onion. Cook for approximately 7 to 9 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally until the onion is softened and the beef is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If excess fat collects in the skillet, carefully drain it before continuing.
  7. Add the Seasonings.
  8. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon (3 g) chili powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) cumin, 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt, and ½ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper to the skillet. Stir over medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Keep the mixture moving so the spices don't scorch.
  9. Combine the Filling.
  10. Add the 1 cup (240 g) diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste. Stir for approximately 1 minute over medium heat until the tomato paste is evenly distributed. Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in the 1½ cups (240 g) cooked white rice. Transfer the mixture to the medium mixing bowl if needed for easier handling. The filling should look moist and evenly combined, without excess liquid pooling at the bottom.
  11. Stuff the Pepper Halves.
  12. Divide the prepared beef and rice mixture evenly among the 8 bell pepper halves. Spoon the filling into each pepper, pressing it gently to fill the cavity without packing it too tightly. Each half should have a generous, slightly rounded mound of filling. Keep the stuffed peppers upright in the metal pan so the filling stays in place during grilling.
  13. Grill Until Tender.
  14. Place the pan over indirect heat on the preheated grill. Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil and close the grill lid. Cook at approximately 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, checking around the 15-minute mark. The peppers should begin to soften and become easy to pierce with a fork while retaining their shape. If they're still firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
  15. Melt the Cheese.
  16. Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella evenly over the stuffed peppers. Close the grill lid and cook over indirect heat for another 3 to 5 minutes at approximately 375°F (190°C). The cheese should be completely melted and lightly golden in spots. Remove the pan from the grill once the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
  17. Rest and Serve.
  18. Allow the grilled stuffed peppers to rest in the pan for 5 minutes so the filling settles and the cheese firms slightly. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped fresh parsley evenly over the peppers. Use grill-safe tongs to transfer them to serving plates. The peppers should be tender enough to cut with a fork while keeping their filling in place.

Notes

Refrigerator: Let the stuffed peppers cool briefly, then transfer them to shallow airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Store at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3 to 4 days. Keep the peppers upright if possible to prevent the filling from spilling. They may soften slightly during storage, but that's normal. Freezer: Allow the cooked stuffed peppers to cool briefly and refrigerate promptly before freezing. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, or wrap individual portions tightly before placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The pepper shells may become softer after freezing, but the filling should remain flavorful.

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