Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 4 large Bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup Cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 1 small Onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, slice a small amount off the bottom of each pepper so they stand upright in the baking dish.
   • Lightly blanch the bell peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly (optional), then set aside to drain and cool. Alternatively, you can skip this step if you prefer firmer peppers.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

   • In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, making sure to drain any excess fat. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Make the Filling:

   • Once the beef is browned, stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine and heat through. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Stuff the Peppers:

   • Place the halved and prepped bell peppers into a baking dish, standing them up.
   • Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing it in gently until they are filled. You may have extra filling depending on the size of your peppers.

5. Top with Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper.

6. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.

7. Serve:

   • Once the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Rice Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Add Veggies: You can sneak in more veggies like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or even spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for sharp flavor. You could also add a little Parmesan on top for a salty finish.
• Make Ahead: These stuffed peppers can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking for a quick meal later.

These Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers are a cozy, filling meal that's sure to please the whole family. The combination of savory beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese makes every bite delicious and comforting! Enjoy!