This Greek stuffed peppers recipe combines the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with a hearty and satisfyingly textured filling. The bell peppers are packed with a delicious mixture of ground beef, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, then roasted until tender. A splendid harmony of taste and texture awaits you with every bite.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite straightforward, but a couple might need a special mention. Kalamata olives, known for their rich and fruity flavor, are a staple in Greek cuisine, but not always found in every kitchen. You can typically find them in the international or gourmet section of your grocery store. Similarly, feta cheese is a Greek cheese that has a tangy and salty flavor, which you can find in the cheese aisle. If you can't find these specific ingredients, substitutions can be made but the unique flavors might be slightly altered.
Ingredients for Greek Stuffed Peppers
Red bell peppers: These are the base of our dish, serving as the 'bowl' for our stuffing. They have a sweet, slightly bitter taste that complements the other ingredients.
Red onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to our dish.
Ground beef: The main protein in our stuffing. It's hearty, savory and pairs well with our other ingredients.
Feta cheese: This gives our stuffing a creamy, tangy twist that's absolutely delicious.
Kalamata olives: These olives add a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Fresh parsley leaf: A herb that adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to balance out the other ingredients.
Fresh mint leaf: Mint leaves give our dish a refreshing touch.
Kosher salt: Used to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little kick to our stuffing.
One reader, Amara Buxton says:
The Greek stuffed peppers recipe was a delightful surprise! The combination of flavors was amazing, and the feta cheese added a delicious tanginess. The peppers were tender and juicy, and the herbs added a fresh touch. It's now a family favorite!
Techniques for Preparing Greek Stuffed Peppers
How to prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and white pith. Save the pepper tops and set them aside.
How to stuff the peppers: Divide the beef mixture in half and stuff it into the peppers, then place the tops of the peppers back on top.
How to bake the stuffed peppers: Transfer the peppers to a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet, then bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 46 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the peppers are soft and starting to shrivel.
How To Make Greek Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers with ground beef, feta, olives, and mint will surely bring Greek flair to your dinner table. Whip up a batch in just one hour!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4large red bell peppers
- ½small red onion,minced
- ½lbground beef,90% lean
- 3ozfeta cheese,crumbled
- 6kalamata olives,pitted, roughly chopped
- ¼cupfresh parsley leaf,chopped
- ¼: 5px”>kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Cut the tops off of the bell peppers, then scrape out the seeds and white pith. Save the pepper tops and set them aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients, season with salt and pepper, and stir together so that everything is thoroughly mixed.
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Divide the beef mixture in half and stuff it into the peppers, then place the tops of the peppers back on top. Transfer the peppers to a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 46 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the peppers are soft and starting to shrivel.
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Cool for 5 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 265.86kcal
- Fat: 16.97g
- Saturated Fat: 7.62g
- Trans Fat: 0.67g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Carbohydrates: 13.10g
- Fiber: 4.46g
- Sugar: 8.17g
- Protein: 14.90g
- Cholesterol: 59.18mg
- Sodium: 618.01mg
- Calcium: 152.99mg
- Potassium: 582.98mg
- Iron: 3.11mg
- Vitamin A: 314.86µg
- Vitamin C: 215.86mg
Helpful Technique for Making Greek Stuffed Peppers
When preparing the bell peppers, ensure you remove all the seeds and white pith. This not only makes room for more stuffing, but also removes any bitter taste that might come from the pith. Additionally, when stuffing the peppers, don't pack the mixture too tightly. Leaving a bit of space allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring the ground beef cooks thoroughly.
Time-Saving Tips for Greek Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the peppers are baking, use that time to clean up and prepare any side dishes.
Use leftovers: Utilize leftover cooked rice or quinoa to cut down on prep time for the filling.
Invest in tools: Use a food processor to quickly chop the herbs and onions for the filling.
Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze the extra stuffed peppers for a quick meal in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Greek Stuffed Peppers Recipe
red bell peppers - Substitute with yellow bell peppers: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweet flavor and will work well in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to red onions and will complement the dish nicely.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and will provide a lighter alternative to ground beef in the recipe.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor similar to feta and will add a delicious creamy texture to the dish.
kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives have a milder flavor compared to kalamata olives and will still provide a nice briny element to the recipe.
fresh parsley leaf - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro will add a unique herbaceous flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.
fresh mint leaf - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil will provide a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Greek Stuffed Peppers
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Greek stuffed peppers, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the vibrant colors of the peppers and the rich filling.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and mint to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the red peppers, creating an eye-catching presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the stuffed peppers to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate with excessive elements, and instead, focus on creating a visually striking presentation with a balance of empty space and carefully placed components.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the stuffed peppers. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate a side dish: Consider serving the Greek stuffed peppers alongside a complementary side dish, such as a light and refreshing cucumber salad. This not only adds variety to the presentation but also provides a well-rounded dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Greek Stuffed Peppers
- Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: Essential for slicing, dicing, and mincing various ingredients.
- Skillet: Used for sautéing, frying, and searing ingredients.
- Baking sheet: Used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
- Oven: Used for baking, roasting, and broiling dishes.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Spatula: Used for flipping, stirring, and serving dishes.
- Food processor: Used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Cutting knife: Used for cutting and slicing ingredients with precision.
Storing and Freezing Greek Stuffed Peppers
- Let the stuffed peppers cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled peppers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, follow these steps:
- Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen stuffed peppers:
- Thaw the peppers overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If the peppers are still partially frozen, you may need to increase the baking time.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed peppers in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Greek Stuffed Peppers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The foil will help prevent the peppers from drying out and keep the filling moist.
For a quicker option, microwave the stuffed peppers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the peppers with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Cooking time may vary depending on the number of peppers and your microwave's power.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the stuffed peppers in it for a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the peppers in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a stovetop method, place the stuffed peppers in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth. Heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. The added liquid will create steam, helping to keep the peppers moist.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the stuffed peppers using this precise method. Place the peppers in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures even heating and maintains the original texture of the peppers.
Interesting Fact About Greek Stuffed Peppers
Greek stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. This dish is a great source of protein and essential nutrients. The combination of fresh herbs like parsley and mint adds a refreshing and aromatic touch to the dish. The peppers not only add a vibrant color to the meal but also provide a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. This recipe can be easily customized by adding other ingredients such as rice or quinoa for a vegetarian option. It's a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Is This Greek Stuffed Peppers Recipe Budget-Friendly?
The cost-effectiveness of this Greek stuffed peppers recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as ground beef, feta cheese, and bell peppers, are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish offers a balance of protein, vegetables, and dairy, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, depending on the quality of ingredients. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.
Are Greek Stuffed Peppers Healthy?
The Greek stuffed peppers recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The bell peppers provide a good source of vitamin C, while the ground beef offers protein and iron. The feta cheese and kalamata olives add a dose of healthy fats and flavor. However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier.
To boost the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) to reduce the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced zucchini, tomatoes, or spinach to the beef mixture
- Swap out half of the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lower the saturated fat content
- Use whole grain rice or quinoa instead of the beef mixture to make it a vegetarian option and increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of feta cheese and olives to lower the sodium content, or opt for low-sodium versions
- Add more fresh herbs, such as oregano or basil, to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories or sodium
By making these simple adjustments, you can transform this already healthy recipe into an even more nutritious and well-rounded meal that still delivers on taste and satisfaction.
Editor's Opinion on Greek Stuffed Peppers
This Greek stuffed peppers recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef, feta cheese, and kalamata olives creates a savory and rich filling that perfectly complements the sweetness of the red bell peppers. The fresh herbs add a burst of brightness, and the overall dish is both satisfying and comforting. It's a wonderful option for a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Greek Stuffed Peppers Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh ingredients such as red bell peppers, ground beef, and feta cheese, ensuring quality and flavor. The combination of kalamata olives and fresh herbs like parsley and mint adds a burst of Mediterranean freshness. The use of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall taste. The method of stuffing and baking the peppers allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
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