Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Ratings: 5 from 3 votes
Cuisine: European
Courses: Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 2
Calories: 820
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

These stuffed peppers are fantastic as a main dish or served alongside a salad for a complete meal. Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding other vegetables, herbs, or spices according to your taste!

Ingredients
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 6 oz couscous
  • 1 onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • Bunch fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 4 oz cooking cream
  • 1 oz gouda cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp cajun seasoning
  • Chilli flakes (optional)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper
Instructions
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400F/200C. Cut the tops of the bell peppers. Take out the seeds and place them on a lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until they soften.

  2. 2

    Cook the couscous according to the package instructions.

  3. 3

    Grate the carrot. Chop the onion and parsley.

  4. 4

    Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, carrot, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned.

  5. 5

    Add the tomato puree, cajun seasoning, chilli flakes, and 3 tbsps of water. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

  6. 6

    Take the pan off the heat and stir in a tablespoon of the cooking cream, salt, and pepper.

  7. 7

    Fill the peppers with the meat and sprinkle with cheese. Put them back in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

  8. 8

    Mix the couscous with the chopped parsley and the cooking cream. Season with salt and pepper.

  9. 9

    Serve the stuffed peppers on top of the couscous. Enjoy!

Tips
  • Use peppers that are firm, colorful, and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
  • Experiment with the filling! You can add a variety of ingredients like chopped vegetables (zucchini, carrots, spinach), cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • Don’t be afraid to play with seasoning. Add herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, or a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle some cheese on top of the stuffed peppers before baking for a gooey, flavorful finish. Use varieties like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta for different tastes.
  • If you're making smaller peppers, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they'll cook faster than larger ones.
  • Stuffed peppers are great for leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick, delicious meal.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or green onions as a garnish to add color and freshness to your dish when serving.

Experimenting with different fillings, seasonings, and presentations can make this dish a versatile staple in your repertoire. Enjoy your culinary adventure with stuffed peppers and couscous!

Keywords: peppers, beef, couscous
Did you make this recipe?
Read it online: https://themoderncookbook.com/recipe/stuffed-peppers-and-couscous/