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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and flavorful dish, easy to make and customizable to fit dietary preferences, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1.5 cups cooked brown rice
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • to taste Kosher salt and pepper
Peppers and Toppings
  • 7 large bell peppers (top and core removed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
  • for garnish Freshly chopped parsley

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and core. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.
Cooking the Filling
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it is browned, about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  3. Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Take the beef mixture off the heat and carefully stuff each bell pepper with the filling. Pack it gently but firmly.
  2. Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. After this time, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. They are delicious warm or at room temperature, and the flavors improve the next day. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.