Stuffed Bell Peppers with a Croatian Twist

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers (assorted colors) 6 bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (100g) rice 1/2 cup (100g) rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, olive oil, paprika, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to fill the peppers completely.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
6. 6.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color. The different colors not only add visual appeal but also bring a variety of flavors to the dish.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. If desired, you can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor.
• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before using to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Cook the rice until it is slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook while baking inside the peppers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based alternative.
• To add a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the stuffed peppers before baking.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. They can also be frozen for future meals.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Punjena paprika hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Accompany the dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on a platter, showcasing their vibrant colors. Drizzle some of the tomato sauce from the baking dish over the peppers for an appetizing presentation. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an added touch of freshness.