Stuffed Peppers

After a few attempts, I finally got a stuffed peppers recipe that’s tasty, tender, and low sodium. This recipe uses left over rice and a few unsalted pantry staples to deliver a low cost complete meal. There are tons of ways to #makeityours including a tex mex variation or adding balsamic vinegar for a boost

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, small diced (optional)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces ground pork, beef or turkey
• 1 8 ounce can no salt tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons italian herb blend
• 1 can no salt added diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 1 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese, any type (optional)
• Salt and ground pepper to taste
• 4-6 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds/ribs removed (any color)
• Additional cheese to top peppers

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 400F degrees and prep the peppers into an oven safe dish.
2. In a dutch oven over medium low heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add onions and jalapeño and sweat for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and cook through until fragrant. Add ground meat and break up, stirring into the onion mixture and cook through.
4. Once no longer pink, add Italian herbs and stir, heating up the dried spices. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir until mixed in. 
5. Add rice and stir, heating through. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Turn off heat and mix in optional cheese. 
6. Spoon mixture into prepped peppers. Cover with aluminum foil and place into a preheated oven baking for 35 to 40 minutes.
7. Once peppers are tender, remove from the oven. Option to add more cheese and place under the broiler to bubble the cheese.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Options:

• For a more tex mex vibe, swap out Italian herb blend for a no salt southwest chipotle or low sodium taco seasoning blend. If using cheese, choose a Mexican cheese blend or cotija.
• Add or swap out a can of no salt added garbanzo or pinto beans for ground meat for a full vegan (no cheese) or vegetarian variation. 
• For more protein consider doubling meat/beans and reducing rice by half. 

Salt Swaps:

• No salt added diced tomatoes with green chilis adds moisture, flavor and heat without adding extra salt.
• No salt tomato sauce also puts you in control of the amount of sodium.

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