Bell Pepper Stuffed Meat

Tender bell peppers filled with a savory meat mixture, baked until perfectly tender and topped with melted cheese. This hearty dish is easy to prepare and makes a complete family meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the peppers for 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
5. Add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
6. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
7. Fill each pepper with the meat mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the tops, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use a mix of beef and sausage for extra flavor.
• Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Add mushrooms, corn, or black beans to the filling for more texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

A comforting, colorful meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners.