Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms slightly if needed to help them stand upright.
- Place the bell peppers in a baking dish.
Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, cooking and breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Mix the Filling:
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Remove from heat.
Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently and filling each pepper to the top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!