🌶️ Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Meat

✅ Ingredients:

For 4 servings:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional – mozzarella or cheddar)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Peppers:

• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

• Place them in a baking dish, standing upright.

• (Optional) Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 3–4 minutes if you prefer softer peppers.

3. Make the Filling:

• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir for 1 more minute.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

• Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Stuff the Peppers:

• Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper until full.

• Top with shredded cheese if using.

5. Bake:

• Add a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the baking dish.

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes to melt the cheese and slightly brown the tops.

6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

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👩‍🍳 Tips & Variations:

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes.

• Go low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

• Make it vegetarian: Use lentils, mushrooms, or black beans instead of meat.