Cantabrian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers (Pimientos Rellenos a la Cántabra)

Pimientos Rellenos a la Cántabra, or Cantabrian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers, is a classic dish from the Cantabrian region of Spain. This flavorful and hearty recipe features bell peppers stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, all topped with a rich tomato sauce and baked to perfection.

Cantabrian Style Stuffed Bell Peppers (Pimientos Rellenos a la Cántabra)

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture, and place them in a baking dish.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, broth, and chopped parsley. Pour the mixture over the stuffed peppers.
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover the dish, sprinkle the stuffed peppers with grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop and Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
20g
Fat
18g

Supplies

Baking dish Foil

Tools

Skillet Knife Cutting board Bowl

Serving suggestions

Serve the Pimientos Rellenos a la Cántabra with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Cost

$15