Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, baked until tender. A nutritious and flavorful dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Extra virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
• 1 Medium Onion diced
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
• 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed)
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
• freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Arrange the Peppers
   Begin your cooking adventure by setting your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grab your bell peppers, having already sliced off their tops and removed the cores, and place them cut side up in a baking dish or on a rimmed tray. This will ensure they cook evenly and hold all that delicious filling you're about to prepare.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
   Heat up a large pan over medium flame and drizzle in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, or if you prefer, avocado oil works just as beautifully. Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté until tender, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and let it mingle with the onion for another minute until it releases that irresistible aroma.

3. Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
   Introduce the lean ground beef into your pan with the onions and garlic. Cook it until it's lost its pinkness, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as you go. This should take around 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure even cooking; you want those pieces small enough to mix well with the rest of the filling components.

4. Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients
   Stir in your cooked brown rice, followed by the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Allow these flavors to meld together, letting the sauce reduce a bit over 4-5 minutes. Taste your mixture and sprinkle in kosher salt and pepper to suit your preference. You’re aiming for a well-balanced, flavorful filling.

5. Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Peppers
   Now comes the fun part! Spoon the savory beef mixture into each waiting bell pepper, packing it in generously. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let those peppers bake for about 10-12 minutes, just enough time for them to start softening up without losing their shape.

6. Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
   After the initial bake, bring in the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return them to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, adding a luscious creaminess to your dish.

7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve
   Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the peppers for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. These brightened-up peppers are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Dive into this comfort meal with relish!

Notes

Ah, the joys of cooking! Stuffed bell peppers are a classic, but a few common slip-ups can turn this delightful dish into a kitchen mishap.

One common pitfall is overcooking the peppers until they’re mushy. To keep them just right, aim for a tender yet slightly crisp texture. Keeping an eye on them in the oven is key!

Another hiccup is inconsistent seasoning. It’s easy to under-season the meat mixture, leaving it bland. Be sure to taste and adjust those spices before stuffing the peppers.

Finally, uneven cooking can be tricky. Make sure your peppers are standing upright in the baking dish to prevent spills and ensure even cooking. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!