STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

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Stuffed bell peppers are a classic, comforting dish that brings together fresh bell peppers with a hearty filling, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. With the bell pepper’s natural sweetness and the savory filling, this dish is versatile, customizable, and can be made in a variety of ways to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for sautéing
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Place the peppers in a baking dish with a little water in the bottom to help steam them during baking.
  2. Cook the Filling:
    • In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Combine the Ingredients: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
  4. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, pressing down slightly to pack them well. Top each pepper with the remaining cheese.
  5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

These stuffed bell peppers are perfect for a complete meal with a side salad or garlic bread. They also make great leftovers, so consider doubling the recipe for meal prep!

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