– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Creating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, stirring to break it into smaller pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Mix Filling: In the skillet, add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
6. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to pack them. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll craft delightful Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers that are both tasty and appealing!