Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers

This recipe for Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers is delicious, you might find it a bit long, but trust me you will love the result.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color you prefer)
• 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the bell peppers:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water. If needed, cut a small slice from the bottom to make them stand upright. Set them aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until it's browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything well.
7. Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to fill each pepper completely.
8. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. If any peppers are wobbly, you can use aluminum foil to stabilize them.
9. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.
12. Once done, remove the stuffed bell peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Enjoy your savory stuffed bell peppers! They make for a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for any day of the week. You can also experiment with different fillings and spices to suit your taste preferences.