Introduction
Grilled stuffed peppers are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender grilled bell peppers with a delicious filling. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill gives the peppers a smoky char while keeping the filling juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a light dinner, lunch, or as a side dish, these stuffed peppers are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Start by lighting the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches medium-high heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Heat olive oil on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef (or plant-based meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is combined and heated through.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Remove the beef and rice mixture from the grill and let it cool slightly. Spoon the mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them generously. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
Step 5: Grill the Stuffed Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers on the outer edge of the Arteflame grill, where the heat is moderate. Grill for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Once the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through, remove them from the grill. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately. These stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Pepper Tenderness: If you prefer softer peppers, you can pre-grill the peppers for 5-7 minutes before stuffing them.
- Filling Variations: Add chopped veggies like zucchini, corn, or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheesy Topping: For extra cheesiness, broil the stuffed peppers for 2-3 minutes to get a bubbly, crispy top.
Variations
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Omit the meat and add a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Stuffed Peppers: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Italian Stuffed Peppers: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add mozzarella cheese and fresh basil to the filling.
- Greek Stuffed Peppers: Replace the rice with cooked couscous and add crumbled feta cheese, olives, and spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Breakfast Stuffed Peppers: Fill the peppers with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheese for a breakfast version.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, grilled asparagus, or roasted potatoes to complement the flavors of the stuffed peppers.
- Drinks: Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Conclusion
Grilled stuffed peppers on the Arteflame grill are a delicious and versatile dish that you can easily customize with your favorite fillings. The smoky flavor from the grill and the tender, juicy peppers make this a perfect meal for any occasion.
