Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta Cheese – A Mediterranean Delight

If you are in the market for a delicious, full of color, and full of nutrients meal idea, then this recipe is for you. And what could be simpler than stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese?

This fabulous Mediterranean dish marries sweetness of peppers with the sharpness of feta cheese which makes this dish perfect for food lovers.

In this informative article let us take you through step by step on how to make this wonderful dish, the ingredients you need and how to prepare them, the best ways to serve it to your family and friends.

The Appeal of stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese

Not only are bell peppers colorful, but they are also colorful – meaning they are a great source of vitamins too. They contain high amounts of the vitamin A, C, fiber and other antioxidant compounds.

They become a nutritious meal wonder when you stuff them with a meat and cheese combination, and add a topping of creamy feta cheese.

Choosing the Perfect Bell Peppers for stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese

The foundation of this dish is, of course, the bell peppers themselves. Here’s what to look for:

• Color: While red bell peppers are the sweetest, you can use any color – green, yellow, or orange. Mix and match for a vibrant presentation!
• Size: Choose peppers that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Freshness: Look for peppers with smooth, firm skin and no blemishes.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffing

The stuffing is where you can really get creative. Here’s a list of key ingredients that will make your stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese stand out:

1. Feta Cheese: The star of the show, feta adds a tangy, salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
2. Grains: Quinoa, rice, or bulgur wheat add substance and nutrition.
3. Protein: Ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like lentils or chickpeas work well.
4. Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and herbs like oregano and parsley enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
5. Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach add extra nutrients and texture.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide to stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process:

1. Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. Pre-cook the peppers: Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly.
3. Prepare the stuffing: Cook your grain and protein, then mix with sautéed aromatics and vegetables.
4. Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper with the stuffing mixture, leaving room for the feta cheese at the top.
5. Add the feta: Crumble feta cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
6. Bake: Place the peppers in a baking dish and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers Every Time

To elevate your stuffed peppers from good to great, consider these pro tips:

• Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on your peppers to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Let them rest: Allow the peppers to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to handle.
• Experiment with cheese: While feta is traditional, try mixing in some mozzarella or Parmesan for variety.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.

Nutritional Benefits of stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese

Stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese aren’t just delicious; they’re also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits:

• Bell Peppers: High in vitamins C and A, which boost immunity and eye health [source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bell-peppers].
• Feta Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health [source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327179].
• Whole Grains: Provide fiber and B vitamins, aiding in digestion and energy production [source: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/whole-grains/].
• Lean Protein: Essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• As a standalone main course with a side salad
• Paired with crusty bread to soak up the juices
• Accompanied by a light soup for a comforting meal
• Served with a side of tzatziki or hummus for an extra Mediterranean touch

Variations to Try for stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your stuffed peppers! Here are some variations to explore:

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
2. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
3. Greek-Inspired: Include Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes in the filling.
4. Breakfast Peppers: Stuff with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a morning twist.

Storing and Reheating stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese

Leftover stuffed peppers? No problem! They store and reheat beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Also Read – Cheesy High-Protein Vegan Pasta Dinner Recipe

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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta Cheese – A Mediterranean Delight

Author: Resmi Cooking Method: Baking, Stovetop Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean Courses: Dinner, Main Recipe Keys: G Gluten-free option H High-Protein

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 20 Calories: 350

Best Season: Fall, Summer

Dietary:

G Gluten-free (with quinoa) L Low-carb option (replace quinoa with cauliflower rice)

Description

Discover the perfect balance of sweet bell peppers and tangy feta cheese in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Our stuffed bell peppers are a colorful, nutritious, and delicious meal that's sure to impress your family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 6 large Bell Peppers (Any color, tops removed, seeded)

• 1 pound Ground Beef (90% lean)

• 1 cup Feta Cheese (Crumbled)

• 1 cup Quinoa (Uncooked)

• 1 medium Onion (Diced)

• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)

• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)

• 2 cups Spinach (Fresh, chopped)

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

• 1 tsp Dried Oregano

• ¹⁄₄ cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped)

• 1 tsp Salt

• ¹⁄₂ tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

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1. 1. Prepare the Peppers

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
   • Blanch peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.

1. 2. Cook the Quinoa

   • Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions.
   • Set aside to cool slightly.

1. 3. Prepare the Filling

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
   • Add ground beef, cook until browned (about 8 minutes).
   • Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and stir in cooked quinoa and half of the feta cheese.

1. 4. Stuff and Bake

   • Fill each pepper with the prepared mixture.
   • Top with remaining feta cheese.
   • Place peppers in a baking dish and add 1/4 cup water to the bottom.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is golden.

1. 5. Serve

   • Let peppers rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15.5g24%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 65mg22%

Sodium 680mg29%

Potassium 720mg21%

Total Carbohydrate 28g10%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 6g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 3500 IU

Vitamin C 180 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 4 mg

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 60 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 80 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 5 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 15 mcg

Magnesium 60 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.8 mg

Chromium 2 mcg

Molybdenum 10 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
• You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.
• Leftover peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: stuffed peppers, feta cheese, Mediterranean cuisine, healthy dinner, vegetable main course