Stuffed bell peppers!

### Instructions:

**1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Peppers:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. If the peppers don’t stand upright, you can trim a small part of the bottom to level them out. Place the prepared peppers in a baking dish.

**2. Cook the Filling:**
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Once the meat is cooked, stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Mix everything together, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

**3. Stuff the Peppers:**
Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly. Make sure each pepper is generously filled with the mixture. If you have leftover filling, you can either top the peppers with it or serve it on the side.

**4. Bake the Stuffed Peppers:**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften and the flavors to meld together.

**5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:**
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**6. Serve and Garnish:**
Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired, and enjoy the flavorful, satisfying meal!

### Why These Stuffed Bell Peppers Are So Special:
Stuffed bell peppers are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the bell pepper complements the savory filling of seasoned meat, rice, and tomatoes, while the melted cheese adds richness. Plus, you can customize the filling based on your preferences or dietary restrictions—whether you prefer ground meat, beans, or a veggie-based filling, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.

They’re also an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, and the filling provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fiber. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a healthy dinner option, stuffed bell peppers fit the bill.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic choice. They can be made ahead of time, easily stored in the fridge, and even frozen for later use. So, if you’ve never made them before, give this recipe a try—you’ll love the results, and your taste buds will thank you!