Moroccan Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for Ramadan iftar or a comforting family meal. These bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and spices, then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is packed with warm Moroccan flavors and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or couscous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Ramadan – A hearty and nutritious meal ideal for breaking the fast.
- Rich Moroccan Flavors – Features classic spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander.
- Healthy & Balanced – Includes protein, vegetables, and a delicious sauce.
- Easy to Customize – Can be made with different proteins or vegetarian alternatives.
- Comforting & Satisfying – A warm, flavorful dish great for family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Peppers:
- 4 large green bell peppers
- 250g ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small potato (boiled & diced)
- ½ cup mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parsley & coriander (chopped)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 3 ripe tomatoes (blended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set them aside.
- Make the Filling: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, ground beef or lamb, and mushrooms until the meat is browned.
- Add the diced potatoes, parsley, coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before mixing in the beaten egg.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture, pressing down gently. Steam the stuffed peppers for about 15 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the blended tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Peppers in the Sauce: Place the steamed stuffed peppers into the tomato sauce and let them cook for another 10-15 minutes, spooning some sauce over the peppers occasionally.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm with crusty bread or over couscous.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Replace ground meat with cooked lentils or quinoa for a plant-based alternative.
- Cheesy Stuffed Peppers – Add a layer of shredded cheese on top before steaming.
- Spicy Version – Mix in chopped chili peppers or extra paprika for more heat.
- Rice-Stuffed Peppers – Add cooked rice to the filling for a more traditional dolma-style dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent drying. Alternatively, warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Stuffed peppers can be frozen before cooking. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and cook as instructed.
FAQs
1. Can I use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green?
Yes, red or yellow peppers add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
2. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
3. How do I keep the stuffed peppers from falling apart?
Steaming the peppers before adding them to the sauce helps them hold their shape.
4. Can I bake the stuffed peppers instead of steaming them?
Yes, bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. What type of ground meat is best for this recipe?
Ground beef or lamb works well, but you can also use ground chicken or turkey.
6. Can I make this dish without eggs?
Yes, the egg helps bind the filling, but you can omit it or replace it with breadcrumbs.
7. What can I serve with Moroccan Stuffed Peppers?
They pair well with couscous, rice, or a fresh side salad.
8. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add harissa, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper for more heat.
9. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
10. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, substitute with 1 ½ cups of canned diced tomatoes for convenience.
Conclusion
Moroccan Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for Ramadan iftar or a comforting family meal. Filled with a delicious blend of spiced ground meat, vegetables, and herbs, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is a true Moroccan classic. Whether you enjoy it with bread or couscous, it’s a meal that is sure to impress.
