Imagine diving into a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant bell peppers - all cooked to perfection in just 40 minutes! Our Pressure Cooker Stuffed Peppers are about to revolutionize your dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to transform your weeknight meals from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, tops removed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the bell peppers. Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set aside to drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Leave a little space at the top as the filling may expand during cooking.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pressure cooker to create steam. Place a trivet or steamer basket in the pot. This will keep the stuffed peppers above the water.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright on the trivet or in the steamer basket. Ensure they are standing and not touching each other to allow even cooking.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
- After all the steam has escaped and the lid unlocks, remove the stuffed peppers from the pressure cooker using tongs.
- Place the stuffed peppers on a serving platter and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each one. If desired, you can place them under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and give it a nice golden color.
- Serve the stuffed peppers warm, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the pressure cooker.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork, or try ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Don't overfill the peppers - leave a little space at the top to prevent the filling from expanding and becoming too dense.
- If you want a crispy cheese topping, use the broiler for 2-3 minutes after cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs to customize the flavor profile.
- Always ensure your pressure cooker has enough liquid (1 cup in this recipe) to create proper steam and prevent burning.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
