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Stuffed Bell Peppers

A wholesome and customizable meal, Stuffed Bell Peppers feature colorful vegetables and hearty fillings of ground beef and rice, making them a delight for both adults and kids.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1.5 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1.5 tsp dried oregano
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey jack, to garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Mix in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
Baking
  1. Place the bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper until they are full.
  2. Sprinkle shredded Monterey jack cheese on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheese types for variety. You can use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier grain option. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a variety of vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.