Lebanese Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Lebanese Special
These Lebanese stuffed peppers are a classic one-pot comfort dish, featuring bell peppers filled with a blend of seasoned ground beef and rice, simmered in a fragrant tomato broth infused with garlic, mint, and lemon. Wrapped in earthy, warming flavors, this fulfilling traditional meal is perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a family with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time40 min
- Total Time50 min
Lebanese Pea Stew with Rice Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers (any color, though green will be more bitter)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3-4 cups water
How to Make Lebanese Pea Stew with Rice
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, spices, and 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce until well mixed; the texture will be uneven.
Rinse the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds from inside.
Gently fill the peppers with the ground beef and rice mixture, ensuring not to pack it too tightly.
Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a Dutch oven.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the tops of the peppers.
Add 3-4 cups of water, enough to just reach the tops of the peppers.
Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Serve with Lebanese Pita Bread or Za’atar bread. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Pepper Prep: Trim the tops cleanly to create a snug lid, and maintain an upright fit while cooking to keep juices contained.
Filling Texture: Mix raw rice with ground beef, onions, and spices lightly—but don’t overpack, as the rice swells during cooking.
Broth Flavors: Use tomato sauce or juice as your base, seasoned with garlic, dried mint, lemon juice, and warm spices like allspice or seven-spice.
Cooking Method: Simmer slowly until the peppers are just tender, the meat is cooked through, and the rice is perfectly soft.
Serving Tip: Let the peppers rest covered for 10–15 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld perfectly. Ideal served with a side of yogurt or fresh salad.
