Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare Bell Peppers:**
– Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
– If needed, slice a small piece off the bottom to make the peppers sit flat on the baking sheet.
– Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then remove and set aside.

3. **Cook the Filling:**
– In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
– Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
– Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
– Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.

4. **Stuff the Peppers:**
– Place the bell peppers in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
– Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, filling them generously.
– Top each stuffed pepper with additional shredded cheese.

5. **Bake:**
– Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions before serving.

These stuffed bell peppers make for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!