Russian Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Stuffed peppers are a classic Russian recipe that is popular throughout the country. The dish is usually made with bell peppers that are hollowed out and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. The peppers are then baked until they are tender and full of flavor. 

This dish is a great way to use up leftover ground beef and is a hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love.

What are Russian Stuffed Peppers?

Russian stuffed peppers recipe is a traditional Russian dish made with bell peppers that are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. 

This is a great way to use up leftover ground beef and is a hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love. The peppers are hollowed out and stuffed with the beef and rice mixture, then baked until the peppers are tender and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Russian Stuffed Peppers?

There are many reasons to love this classic Russian recipe. First, it is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. 

Second, it is a great way to use up leftover ground beef and is a hearty and delicious meal. 

Third, it is a flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family. Finally, it is a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables.

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The Ingredients

• 2 medium bell peppers: Bell peppers serve as the edible vessels for the stuffing, providing a sweet and colorful base that contrasts with the savory filling. Their sturdy structure allows them to hold the mixture while imparting a distinctive flavor and texture.
• 3 cups marinara sauce, divided: Marinara sauce acts as the flavorful base for the dish, infusing the stuffed peppers with a rich, tomato-based taste. The division of the sauce allows for layering and ensures that each part of the pepper is well-coated, providing a moist and flavorful result.
• 1/4 pound ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean protein choice for the stuffing, offering a lighter option compared to beef. It contributes a meaty texture and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the filling.
• 2.5 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing, providing a rich and fruity flavor to the dish. It helps cook the onions, ground turkey, and ground beef evenly, ensuring the stuffing is well-seasoned and achieving a desirable consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, balancing the taste of the stuffing and making it more palatable.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and complements the savory elements of the dish. It contributes to the overall flavor profile, providing depth and a hint of warmth.
• 1/4 cup cooked rice: Cooked rice serves as a binder in the stuffing, creating a soft and fluffy texture. It helps hold the ingredients together and adds a comforting element to the dish.
• 1 cup diced white or yellow onions: Diced onions bring a sweet and savory flavor to the stuffing. They contribute to the overall aroma and taste while providing a satisfying texture.
• 1/4 pound ground beef: Ground beef adds richness and a robust flavor to the stuffing, complementing the leaner ground turkey and creating a well-balanced and savory filling.
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots: Finely shredded carrots add sweetness and a delicate crunch to the stuffing. They contribute to the overall flavor balance and provide visual appeal to the dish.
• 1/2 bay leaf: The bay leaf is a seasoning agent, imparting an earthy and aromatic note to the stuffing. While typically removed before serving, it infuses the mixture with subtle complexity and depth of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare Bell Peppers:

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Rice:

Cook 1/4 cup of rice according to package instructions until it’s fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they are translucent.

Step 5: Brown Ground Meat:

Add ground turkey and ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula and cook until browned.

Step 6: Add Carrots:

Stir in finely shredded carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until the carrots soften.

Step 7: Season the Filling:

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Add the bay leaf for additional flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaf before stuffing the peppers.

Step 8: Mix in Cooked Rice:

Add the cooked rice to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.

Step 9: Stuff the Peppers:

Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Press the filling down gently to ensure it’s packed.

Step 10: Arrange in Baking Dish:

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. If necessary, use foil to help the peppers stand upright.

Step 11: Pour Marinara Sauce:

Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring they are generously covered.

Step 12: Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

Step 13: Serve:

Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the oven. Serve them hot, drizzled with the remaining marinara sauce.

Step 14: Enjoy:

Enjoy these Russian Stuffed Peppers as a hearty and flavorful dish. They can be served independently or with a side of your choice.

Notes

– For best results, use lean ground beef.
– Use long-grain white rice for this recipe.
– Taste the mixture before stuffing the peppers to adjust the seasoning.
– Use any type of cheese you prefer.
– You can also use ground turkey or pork instead of ground beef.
– If the peppers are not tender after baking, you can cover the baking dish with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Storage Tips

Stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the peppers in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, until the peppers are heated through.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Russian stuffed peppers contains about 300 calories, 18 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
– Serve with a green salad.
– Serve with mashed potatoes.
– Serve with a side of steamed rice.
– Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables.

What other substitute can I use in Russian Stuffed Peppers?

• Ground Turkey: Ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef.
• Pork: Ground pork can also be used in place of ground beef.
• Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables to the beef and rice mixture, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• Canned Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used in place of tomato paste.
• Quinoa: Quinoa can be used in place of rice.

Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should I bake the peppers?

You should bake the peppers for 30 minutes until they are tender. If they are not tender after baking, you can cover the baking dish with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef.

3. Can I add vegetables to the stuffing?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the beef and rice mixture, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peppers up to two days in advance. Stuff the peppers with the beef and rice mixture and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

5. Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers. Allow the peppers to cool completely before freezing. To freeze, place the peppers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.

6. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes in place of tomato paste.

7. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa can be used in place of rice.

Conclusion

Russian stuffed peppers recipe is a classic Russian dish made with bell peppers that are hollowed out and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. 

This is a great way to use up leftover ground beef and is a hearty and delicious meal. The peppers are then baked until they are tender and full of flavor. This is an easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love.

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