Greek-style stuffed capsicums

Name: Greek-style stuffed capsicums
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/3 cup red pepper (50g); 1/4 cup olive oil (60g); 1 onion (160g); 2 garlic cloves (6g); 12 oz ground beef (80/20%) (340g); 1 tbsp dried oregano (16g); 1/2 cup fresh parsley (30g); 1/2 cup spearmint (44g); 1 can canned tomatoes (400g); 1/2 cup white rice (120g)

Greek-style stuffed capsicums feature a filling of ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs, all encased in sweet capsicums. This Mediterranean dish is baked to perfection, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

19 Dec 2025
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/3 cup red pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
12 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup spearmint
1 can canned tomatoes
1/2 cup white rice

Greek-style stuffed capsicums are a delicious and healthy dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. This recipe features a filling made of seasoned ground beef, fresh herbs, and hearty rice, all nestled inside sweet and colorful capsicums. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress with their rich taste and aromatic appeal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Capsicums: Cut the tops off the capsicums and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set the hollowed capsicums aside and reserve the tops.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red pepper and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

5. Season and Mix: Stir in the dried oregano, chopped parsley, and chopped spearmint. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the meat and tomato mixture. Remove the skillet from heat.

7. Fill Capsicums: Stuff the hollowed capsicums with the beef, tomato, and rice mixture. Fill each capsicum to the top, pressing down gently to pack the filling.

8. Bake: Place the stuffed capsicums upright in a baking dish. Put the reserved tops back on the capsicums. Pour about a 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) of water into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the capsicums during baking.

9. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure there is still some water in the dish; add more if necessary.

10. Brown Tops: Remove the aluminum foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the capsicums are tender and the tops are nicely browned.

11. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Greek-style stuffed capsicums hot with a side of salad or yogurt sauce if desired!

And there you have it—Greek-style stuffed capsicums that are both flavorful and nutritious. With their aromatic herbs and hearty filling, these peppers make for a satisfying meal. Serve them hot and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes. Don't forget to garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an added touch of freshness. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Greek-style stuffed capsicums FAQ:

How long do I need to bake the stuffed capsicums?

Bake the stuffed capsicums covered with aluminum foil for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the capsicums are tender and the tops are nicely browned.

What should I do if my stuffed capsicums are undercooked?

If your stuffed capsicums are undercooked after the total baking time of 60 minutes, you can bake them for an additional 10-15 minutes. Always check that the rice is tender and the capsicums are soft.

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat used.

How should I store leftover stuffed capsicums?

Store leftover stuffed capsicums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, but it's best to freeze before baking for the best texture.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time. Pre-cook the brown rice according to package instructions before adding it to the filling.

Tips:

- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor. Fresh parsley and spearmint provide a vibrant taste that dried herbs can't match.

- Make sure to cook the onions and garlic until they're soft and fragrant before adding the ground beef. This enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.

- If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas.

- Par-cook the rice before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure it's fully cooked once the capsicums are baked.

- To prevent the capsicums from toppling over while baking, slice a small piece off the bottom to create a flat surface.

- Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time, then remove it to allow the tops to brown and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 370kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 6g
Fat 33g

Greek-style stuffed capsicums