Stuffed Peppers Cubanelle

Cubanelle peppers are great for stuffing because they are sweet and have a mild flavor. Here’s a recipe for delicious stuffed Cubanelle peppers:

Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6-8 Cubanelle peppers
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Wash the Cubanelle peppers and cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. Set aside.
2. Cook the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro and half of the shredded cheese.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
   • Spoon the filling into the prepared Cubanelle peppers, packing it in tightly. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
   • Spoon a little extra tomato sauce over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
4. Bake the Peppers:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Tips:

• Variations: You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped vegetables (like zucchini or mushrooms), beans, or corn.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed Cubanelle peppers!