Stuffed Bell Peppers

Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal to serve your family tonight? These Stuffed Bell Peppers are sure to impress! Packed with savory ingredients and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
• In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Cook until heated through.
• Stuff the bell peppers with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish.
• Top each bell pepper with shredded cheese.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 25g

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a leaner option.

• Q: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

A: Absolutely, quinoa can be used as a nutritious alternative to rice in this dish.

• Q: Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

A: You can replace the ground beef with tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version of stuffed bell peppers.

• Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze stuffed bell peppers for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven before serving.

Helpful Tips:

• Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.
• You can roast the bell peppers before stuffing them to enhance their natural sweetness.

Expert Secrets:

• Pre-cook the bell peppers in boiling water for a few minutes before stuffing to reduce baking time.
• For a smoky flavor, mix in a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the beef mixture.
• Enhance the texture by adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the beef mixture.
• For a Mediterranean twist, substitute the Italian seasoning with oregano, basil, and thyme.