Description
A comforting and hearty dish featuring bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, rice, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup Cooked Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or individual herbs like oregano and basil)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the bell peppers and cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes gently. Place them in a baking dish, cut side up.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and fold in the mozzarella cheese and parmesan until melted.
- Spoon the filling mixture into each prepared bell pepper, packing it down slightly.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños.