Grandma's Stuffed Peppers

I have a number of Grandma's recipes cards, but as you can see, she knew her recipes so well, that she did not write much information on her cards: She would simply write "Italian cheese," "parsley" and "garlic" without specifying how much. You might notice that the bottom of the recipe card says "over," but the other side just contains an alternative of using bread crumbs -- probably instead of the rice, but the card does not say so. As I made this recipe, I did some research to fill in the details. It turns out that this recipe likely came from Betty Crocker (or, maybe Betty Crocker took it from Grandma). I have included a more complete recipe below that I hope will help you make this recipe.

These stuffed peppers are easy to make and a delicious, filling meal. As Grandma's own recipe card has an alternative, this recipe could be modified by using Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or other meat. Other herbs instead of parsley could be used. The best part of this recipe is that it is hard to go wrong.

Grandma's Stuffed Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp. parsley
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1 egg
• Italian cheese (optional)

Prepare the peppers by removing the top of each pepper and cleaning out the seeds and membranes. Soften the peppers by cooking them. Option 1: Place the peppers in a large sauce pan and cover with water, bring to boil and cook for two minutes, then drain. Option 2: place the peppers in an microwavable dish, add a little water then cover with plastic wrap; then, microwave for 2-3 minutes.

In a skillet, brown the beef. Add in the onion, parsley, garlic, 1 can tomato sauce, and rice. Turn off the heat and mix in the egg. Mix in cheese (such as parmesan or mozzarella), if desired.

Preheat oven to 350. Stand the peppers upright in a casserole. Fill each pepper with the meat mixture. Pour remaining can of tomato sauce over the peppers. Cover with foil tightly and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes. Top with cheese. Enjoy!