Dynamites Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the main protein and a rich, meaty flavor.

Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Tomato sauce: Brings moisture and a tangy taste to the mixture.

Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the dish.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness and depth.

Green bell peppers: Serve as the edible vessels for the savory filling.

When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the onions and garlic. Additionally, when simmering the tomato sauce mixture, allow it to reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors, making the filling for the bell peppers even more delicious.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.

• chopped onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• chopped onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a slightly different flavor intensity.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor when minced finely.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used to create a similar consistency and flavor as tomato sauce.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with tomato paste and water: Mixing tomato paste with water can mimic the consistency and flavor of tomato sauce.

• chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper and paprika: A mix of cayenne pepper and paprika can replicate the heat and smokiness of chili powder.

• chili powder - Substitute with cumin and paprika: This combination can provide a similar depth of flavor and mild heat.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt with a slightly different mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicier kick compared to black pepper.

• green bell peppers - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers are sweeter and can add a different color and flavor to the dish.

• green bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor.

• Allow the ground beef mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy bell peppers.

• For short-term storage, place the stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap each stuffed bell pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact.

• Place the wrapped bell peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the bell peppers in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• For a quicker option, you can also reheat the bell peppers in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

• If you have leftover ground beef mixture, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This can be used for other recipes like tacos or pasta sauce.

• Always ensure that the reheated dynamites reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover dynamites in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bell peppers and beef mixture are thoroughly warmed.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the dynamites on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the dynamites in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bell peppers and beef mixture are warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the dynamites in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the dynamites on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.

• Oven: Used to bake the stuffed bell peppers at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Skillet: Utilized for browning the ground beef and cooking the onions and garlic.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the ground beef and mixing in the other ingredients.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping onions and halving and seeding the bell peppers.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and preparing the bell peppers.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the tomato sauce and chopped onions accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking dish: Holds the stuffed bell peppers while they bake in the oven.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for combining the ground beef mixture with the tomato sauce and seasonings.

• Garlic press: Optional tool for efficiently mincing the garlic cloves.

Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to assemble the dynamites.

Chop ahead: Chop onions and mince garlic the night before. Store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

Use pre-made sauce: Substitute homemade tomato sauce with a good-quality store-bought version to cut down on cooking time.

Prep peppers early: Halve and seed the green bell peppers ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff them.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the beef mixture and freeze portions for future use.