Maltese Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Minced Meat
Bell peppers generously filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, rice, herbs, and tomatoes, then baked until tender and flavorful. This dish is a comforting and hearty representation of Maltese home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces Large bell peppers(any color)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 250 g Minced beef or lamb
- 100 g Long-grain rice(uncooked)
- 1 Medium onion(finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 Medium tomato(diced)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 100 g Grated cheese(e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- Salt(to taste)
- Pepper(to taste)
- 500 ml Vegetable or chicken broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish.
- 2
Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and ribs. Set the tops aside.
- 3
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomato, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 6
Add the uncooked rice to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 7
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the grated cheese and the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it well. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- 9
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Place the reserved pepper tops on each pepper.
- 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- 11
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, perhaps with extra sauce or a side of rice or roasted potatoes.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
- ✓If you prefer, you can use ground chicken or pork instead of beef or lamb.
- ✓Ensure the rice is not overcooked in the skillet, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms into the filling.
- Serve with a side of Maltese bread for soaking up any extra sauce.