Introduction
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food that is both delicious and nutritious. This dish typically consists of bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices. While traditional stuffed bell peppers are often baked in the oven, the Instant Pot provides a faster and more convenient way to prepare this dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl
Instructions
Prepare the Bell Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
Cook the Rice
Add the rice to the Instant Pot and follow the package instructions for cooking.
Sauté the Meat and Vegetables
While the rice is cooking, sauté the ground meat, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot until the meat is browned.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Stuff the Bell Peppers
Fill the prepared bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture.
Cook in the Instant Pot
Place the stuffed bell peppers in the Instant Pot. Pour any remaining sauce over the top. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
Serve
Remove the stuffed bell peppers from the Instant Pot and serve immediately.
Tips
Choose the Right Bell Peppers
For a sweeter flavor, use red or yellow bell peppers. For a spicier dish, use green bell peppers.
Customize the Filling
Feel free to add or substitute ingredients in the filling to suit your taste preferences. Some popular additions include cheese, mushrooms, or spinach.
Adjust the Cooking Time
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the bell peppers. If the peppers are not tender, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve with a Side Dish
Stuffed bell peppers can be served with a side dish of roasted vegetables, a salad, or a crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 stuffed bell pepper)
Calories: 300-350
Protein: 25-30 grams
Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams