Cheesy Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers, any color, halved through the stem and seeded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  Swaps for olive oil

  Instead of olive oil

  • Avocado oil or another neutral oil: The same amount. No olive flavor; avocado oil handles higher heat.
  • Butter: The same amount. Richer and nutty when browned.
  • A neutral oil + more seasoning: The same amount. Dressings lose the fruity, peppery note; a little extra lemon, garlic or mustard makes up for it.

  More for olive oil

• 1 onion, diced
  Swaps for onion

  Instead of onion

  • Another onion: The same amount. Yellow is the all-rounder; white is sharper and crisper; red is milder raw and adds color; sweet onions are mildest.
  • Shallots: The same amount, chopped. Milder and sweeter, with a hint of garlic.
  • Leeks: About 1½ times as much, white and light green parts. Milder and softer when cooked.

  All 4 swaps for onion

• 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
  Swaps for ground beef

  Instead of ground beef

  • Ground turkey or chicken: The same weight. Leaner and milder; burgers and meatballs are a bit drier.
  • Ground pork: The same weight. Richer and slightly sweet.
  • Plant-based ground: The same weight. Close in tacos and sauces; cooks faster.

  All 4 swaps for ground beef

  Cook ground beef and pork to 160°F (71°C) and ground turkey or chicken to 165°F (74°C).

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Swaps for garlic

  Instead of garlic

  • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
  • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

  More for garlic

• 1 tsp italian seasoning
  Swaps for italian seasoning

  Instead of Italian seasoning

  • Homemade blend: For 1 tsp: ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp dried thyme (a pinch of rosemary if you have it). The same thing.
  • Herbes de Provence: The same amount. Similar, often with lavender; a little more floral.
  • Dried oregano alone: The same amount. Stronger and simpler.

  More for Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  Swaps for smoked paprika

  Instead of paprika

  • Sweet paprika + a pinch of chipotle or cumin: The same amount of paprika, plus a pinch. Some smokiness without the full smoked flavor; chipotle adds heat.
  • Chipotle powder: About ¼ the amount. Smoky and much hotter.

  More for paprika

• 1 tsp kosher salt
  Swaps for kosher salt

  Instead of salt

  • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
  • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

  More for salt

• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, with juices
  Swaps for diced tomatoes

  Instead of canned tomatoes

  • Whole peeled tomatoes, chopped: The same amount. Softer pieces that break down more: canned diced tomatoes have calcium chloride to keep their shape.

  More for canned tomatoes

• 1 ½ cups cooked rice ≈ 237 g
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese, divided ≈ 170 g
• ½ cup tomato sauce
  Swaps for tomato sauce

  Instead of canned tomatoes

  • Crushed tomatoes, blended smooth: The same amount, with a pinch of salt. Thicker and fresher than tomato sauce.
  • Tomato paste + water: ¼ cup tomato paste whisked with ¾ cup water for each cup. Smooth and a little more concentrated.

  More for canned tomatoes

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  Swaps for fresh parsley

  Instead of parsley

  • Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Very mild; it adds color more than flavor.
  • Cilantro: The same amount. Stronger and citrusy; suits Mexican and Asian dishes.
  • Celery leaves or chervil: The same amount. Celery leaves are peppery and grassy; chervil is mild with a hint of anise.

  More for parsley

Different pan? Written for 9x13-inch rectangle; rescale the amounts for an 8x8, 9x13, round, loaf or sheet pan.

Cooking for a crowd? Pans, timing and salt for 12 to 50.

Missing something? Tap Swaps next to an ingredient, or see all substitutions.

Cook to 160°F inside (check with a thermometer).