Best 2 Lancaster County Stuffed Green Pepper Boats Recipes

In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster County Stuffed Green Pepper Boats are a culinary delight that embodies the region's rich heritage and bountiful harvest. These delectable boats, crafted from tender green bell peppers, are generously stuffed with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, aromatic rice, and a medley of crisp vegetables. The tantalizing aroma of sautéed onions and garlic mingles with the warmth of paprika, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne, creating a symphony of flavors that awakens the senses. Each succulent bite offers a harmonious blend of textures, from the tender pepper to the hearty filling, complemented by the tangy zip of tomato sauce and the gooey melted cheese that blankets the top. These stuffed green pepper boats are not just a meal; they are a journey into the culinary traditions of Lancaster County, where simple ingredients are transformed into a feast for the soul. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice culinary adventurer, this recipe promises an unforgettable taste experience that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

LASAGNA PEPPER BOATS

Lasagna Pepper Boats image

Always looking for low-carb recipes, I was making my family lasagna and got the idea to make my lasagna in a 'green pepper boat' instead of using noodles. This tastes great even to people who love carbs! Freezes well too. If I make a smaller batch, I will freeze the leftover sauce for the next time.

Provided by Joan Gerland Crabtree

Categories Side Dish Vegetables

Time 1h30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

6 green bell peppers, halved and seeded
salt to taste
water as needed
1 pound ground beef
3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
ground black pepper to taste
1 (12 ounce) container cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Arrange bell peppers, cut-side up, in a 10x15-inch baking dish; season with salt. Pour enough water into dish to make 1/4-inch depth.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, oregano, and black pepper to ground beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors blend, about 15 minutes.
Fill each bell pepper with a heaping tablespoon cottage cheese; top with a layer of mozzarella cheese, a layer of Cheddar cheese, and meat sauce. Sprinkle each 'boat' with more mozzarella cheese and Cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven until peppers are tender and cheeses are melted, 50 to 65 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 49.4 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 18.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 815.3 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

TRADITIONAL STUFFED PEPPERS

Traditional Stuffed Peppers image

My husband, Steve, loves this stuffed pepper recipe. They're so filling and easy to prepare. I serve them with mashed potatoes and coleslaw for a no-fuss supper. -Karen Gentry, Somerset, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 large green peppers
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
1 cup cooked rice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Place peppers in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place in ice water; invert on paper towels., In a small skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, rice, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Spoon into peppers. , Place in an ungreased shallow 2-qt. baking dish. Drizzle with remaining tomato sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430 calories, Fat 15g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 1182mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

Tips:

Choose firm, ripe green bell peppers with smooth skin and no blemishes.
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and ribs.
Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly.
Cook the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned.
Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened.
Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
Stuff the pepper halves with the meat mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Top the peppers with the cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the stuffed peppers hot with additional cheese, sour cream, and salsa, if desired.

Conclusion:

Lancaster County Stuffed Green Pepper Boats are a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With their combination of savory ground beef and sausage, flavorful vegetables, and melted cheese, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try!