Welcome to our easy grilled stuffed peppers recipe! If you’re looking to add some excitement to your dinner menu or impress your guests at a dinner party, these grilled stuffed peppers are the perfect choice.

While stuffed bell peppers are typically prepared in the oven, we’ve adapted this recipe for the grill, infusing the flavors of the outdoors and grilled vegetables into every bite. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delightful dish.

Easy Grilled Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Grilled stuffed peppers can be served as an appetizer by cutting the peppers into fourths or as an entrée by cutting them into halves. This recipe yields approximately 8 servings when the peppers are split in half.

Ingredients

  • Stuffing (based on Claiborne, 1990):
    • 2 cups cooked white rice
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • About ¼ cup of good-quality cooking oil (Canola or olive oil)
    • 1 pound ground beef or veal
    • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
    • ½ to ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Optional: 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • Peppers:
    • 4 large bell peppers (a mix of green, orange, yellow, and red for visual appeal)
  • Sauce:
    • ½ cup pureed stewed tomatoes or 1 can (approximately 6 oz) tomato juice

Preparation

Preparing grilled stuffed peppers requires a slight modification from the traditional oven-baked method. Follow these steps to create a delicious grilled version:

First Stage

  1. Split the peppers from top to bottom using a sharp paring knife.
  2. Remove the stems, seeds, and pith from the peppers and rinse them.
  3. Set the peppers aside to drain on a paper towel. Each pepper half will resemble a little boat. Large peppers can also be cut into quarters and served as appetizers.

Second Stage

This stage can be done either on the stovetop or outside on a hot side burner. Note that many standard grills’ burners may not provide enough heat to cook meat adequately.

  1. Sauté the onions and garlic together until the onion becomes transparent.
  2. Brown the ground beef or veal in a skillet. Remove any excess grease before adding the rice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
  3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and add the optional pine nuts last. Set aside.

Grilling the Peppers

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (approximately 300°F).
  2. Grill the unstuffed peppers for about four minutes with the skin side up. Then, turn the peppers around so that the “boat” is ready to be filled.
  3. If available, place the peppers in a mesh grill pan or vegetable grilling basket to facilitate easy removal and prevent rice from falling into the grill.
  4. Remove the peppers from the grill for a few minutes to stuff them with the rice and meat mixture, using a large spoon.
  5. Drizzle the tomato puree or juice over the top, ensuring that some of the puree soaks into the rice without overflowing from the peppers.
  6. Sprinkle more Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar cheese on top. 7. Return the stuffed peppers to the grill and cook for another five minutes over medium heat. The skins may blister slightly, which is normal. If the skins blister severely, it means the fire is too hot.

Preparation Tips

  • The stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored for future use in stuffing peppers. Preparing the stuffing in advance allows for better control when grilling, especially if you’ll be cooking on the grill while simultaneously preparing the stuffing indoors.
  • Allow the stuffing mixture to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before adding it to the peppers. This prevents the peppers from overcooking while the stuffing cools.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious grilled stuffed peppers can be served as either an appetizer or a main course, depending on the size of the pepper pieces. Pair them with a refreshing salad or some grilled vegetables for a light and satisfying meal. If you prefer a heartier option, serve them alongside pasta or crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce.

No matter how you choose to serve your grilled stuffed peppers, your guests are sure to be impressed by the delightful blend of flavors and the unique presentation. So fire up the grill and savor this tasty twist on a classic dish!

In Conclusion

This easy grilled stuffed peppers recipe provides a fantastic alternative to the traditional oven-baked version. By utilizing the grill, you’ll achieve a unique smoky flavor that perfectly complements the delicious stuffing. Not only is this dish an excellent choice for dinner parties, but it can also add variety to your weeknight meal rotation.

Next time you fire up the grill, why not give these mouthwatering grilled stuffed peppers a try? The combination of flavors, colors, and textures is sure to leave a lasting impression on your family and friends. Plus, with the versatility to serve them as appetizers or main courses, you’ll have a dish that easily adapts to any occasion.

Happy grilling, and enjoy this scrumptious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for outdoor cooking and entertaining!

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