Stuffed Peppers

Bell Peppers Filled with Rice, Meat, and Cheese.

Stuffed Peppers:

These Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and hearty meal, featuring tender bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and cheese. They’re easy to customize with different fillings and perfect for a comforting dinner!

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (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.
• Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
• Roast the peppers in the oven for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Cook the Meat Mixture:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice.

3. Stuff the Peppers:

• Remove the peppers from the oven. Carefully stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
• Top each stuffed pepper with a generous amount of shredded cheese.

4. Bake the Stuffed Peppers:

• Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot.

Tips & suggestions:

• For extra veggies, you can add chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
• For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or tofu.
• Top with sour cream or guacamole for added flavor.

Enjoy your meal!