9 Budget-Friendly Rice Recipes That Taste Gourmet

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Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food that feel elegant yet remain budget-friendly. By filling halved bell peppers with a savory mixture of rice, dried tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, you get a hearty dish that’s both colorful and satisfying. The sweetness of the peppers pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese and the tangy flavor of the dried tomatoes. It’s a versatile recipe you can serve as a main dish or as a side to round out a meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings!

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice
• ½ cup dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3–4 min.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Spoon the rice mixture into the pepper halves, pressing gently to fill. Top each with shredded cheese.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 min., until peppers are tender. Remove the foil for the last 5 min to let the cheese melt and brown slightly.