Stuffed Bell Peppers

### Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Flavorful, Healthy, and Easy-to-Make Dish

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Colorful bell peppers are stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, meat, vegetables, and seasonings, then baked to perfection for a delicious, hearty meal. The best part? You can easily customize the filling to suit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

#### Ingredients:
– **4 large bell peppers** (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange)
– **1 lb ground beef** (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option)
– **1 cup cooked rice** (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
– **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes**, drained
– **1/2 cup onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon ground cumin**
– **1/2 teaspoon chili powder** (optional, for a bit of spice)
– **1/2 cup shredded cheese** (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Olive oil**, for sautéing
– **Fresh parsley or cilantro** (optional, for garnish)

#### Directions:

1. **Prepare the Bell Peppers:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, slice a small bit off the bottom of each pepper to help it stand upright. Place the peppers in a baking dish, standing them upright so they are ready to be filled. You can pre-bake the peppers for about 10 minutes to soften them slightly, but this step is optional.

2. **Cook the Filling:**
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground meat of your choice (beef, turkey, or plant-based). Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

3. **Add Seasonings and Rice:**
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, cumin, chili powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. **Stuff the Peppers:**
Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly until the peppers are filled to the top. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle a little on top of the filling for extra flavor.

5. **Bake the Peppers:**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the stuffed peppers hot, and enjoy!

#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

– **Healthy and Nutritious:** Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, making them a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

– **Customizable:** This recipe is highly customizable to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. Swap out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based protein, use quinoa instead of rice, or load up the filling with extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or corn.

– **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the peppers a day ahead and store them in the fridge, ready to be baked when you’re ready to eat. They also freeze well for future meals.

– **Comforting and Flavorful:** With a savory filling of seasoned meat, rice, and melted cheese, stuffed peppers have a comforting flavor that will satisfy your cravings without being overly heavy.

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