Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly cook the pepper halves in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then drain.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the cooked rice, half the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the peppers in a baking dish and fill each with the meat mixture.
- Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the tops.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Serving ideas: Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. 🍽️