Stuffed peppers with meat and potatoes is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the richness of ground meat with the comforting texture of potatoes, all wrapped in tender peppers and cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a family meal or any occasion when you want something satisfying and tasty.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 500 g ground meat (beef)
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 200 g rice (optional, depending on preference)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and grated or finely chopped)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Olive oil or cooking oil for sautéing
For the sauce:
- 500 ml tomato sauce (or passata)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Peppers:
- 8-10 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling:
- In a large pan, heat some oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until it’s browned and crumbly. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano (if using).
- In a separate pot, cook the rice (if using) for about 10 minutes until it’s softened but not fully cooked. Drain it and set aside.
- Peel and grate or finely chop the potatoes. You can also use a food processor to speed up the process.
- Add the grated potatoes and the partially cooked rice (if using) to the cooked meat mixture. Stir well, add the egg, and mix everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Prepare the peppers:
- Wash the peppers and cut off the tops, removing the seeds and membranes inside. Be careful not to tear the peppers.
- Stuff each pepper with the prepared meat and potato mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are fully stuffed. Leave a little space at the top for the filling to expand while cooking.
3. Prepare the sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, oregano (if using), and olive oil. Mix well to combine.
- Pour a little bit of this sauce into the bottom of a large pot or casserole dish to prevent the peppers from sticking during cooking.
4. Assemble and cook:
- Carefully place the stuffed peppers in the pot or casserole dish, standing them up next to each other.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers, covering them evenly.
- Add a little water if necessary to make sure the peppers are partially submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 40-50 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is fully cooked. You can also bake the dish in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for the same amount of time if you prefer.
5. Serve:
- Once the stuffed peppers are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve hot. You can serve them with some bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish of stuffed peppers with meat and potatoes—perfect for a family dinner or any time you want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!
