Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large leeks
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Substitutions? Absolutely! If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can swap the meat for a mix of beans or lentils. And if you don’t have rice on hand, quinoa works beautifully too! Just remember that cooking is about being flexible and making it work for you.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a baking dish.
- Start by cleaning your leeks. Trim the roots and the tough green tops, then slice them down the middle and rinse under cold water to remove any grit. Pat them dry with a towel.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where the flavors start to come alive!
- Carefully stuff each leek with the meat and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill them well. Place the stuffed leeks in your baking dish.
- Pour the broth over the stuffed leeks, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get that lovely golden finish.
- Once cooked, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help them set a bit and make them easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Meat & Rice Stuffed Leeks, recipe, cooking, food