Speca të Mbushura me Oriz dhe Mish
Kosovar Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Meat
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and spices, baked in a tomato-based sauce. This is a comforting and classic Balkan dish adapted for Kosovar cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 large Bell peppers(mixed colors, tops removed, seeds and membranes cleaned)
- 500 g Ground beef
- 1 cup Short-grain rice(rinsed)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 ml Tomato sauce
- 400 g Diced tomatoes(canned)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried mint
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 cup Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside. - 2
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the meat is fully browned for best flavor. - 5
Stir in the rinsed rice, paprika, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Stuff the mixture evenly into the prepared bell peppers.
💡 Tip: Do not overstuff, as the rice will expand during cooking. - 7
In a baking dish, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. Stir well.
💡 Tip: This forms the base sauce for the peppers. - 8
Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish, nestled into the sauce.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peppers are standing securely. - 9
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
💡 Tip: This helps to steam the peppers and cook the rice evenly. - 10
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
💡 Tip: Check for doneness by piercing a pepper with a fork. - 11
Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to slightly brown the tops, if desired.
💡 Tip: This step is optional for a slightly crispier finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance the acidity.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and lamb.
- ✓Serve hot, often with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped parsley to the filling for extra freshness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use cooked lentils or mushrooms as the filling.
- Add a layer of sliced potatoes or zucchini at the bottom of the baking dish.