These stuffed bell peppers are a delightful combination of cheesy and savory flavors, featuring flavorful ground beef and fluffy brown rice for a nutritious meal! What makes these stuffed peppers exceptional is their versatility; you can customize them using lean ground beef, sausage, turkey, chicken, or opt for vegetarian ingredients. Prepare to savor every bite of these stuffed peppers, as they're filled with a homemade tomato sauce infused with cheddar cheese, garlic, onions, paprika, and juicy tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of Extra-virgin Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 pound of Lean Ground Beef
- 1½ cups of Cooked Brown Rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of Diced Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon of Dried Oregano
- 1 tablespoon of Smoked Paprika (see notes)
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 7 Large Bell Peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup of Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the peppers cut side up in a baking dish or rimmed tray.
- Warm up the olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it softens, then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it's no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, which takes around 5-6 minutes. Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Let the mixture cook until the sauce slightly reduces, about 4-5 minutes. Try the dish and season it with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture and bake until the peppers are mostly tender, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Notes:
- You can substitute quinoa for rice or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- If the intensity of paprika is too strong for your taste, consider reducing the amount to 2 teaspoons.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Any other neutral cooking oil can be used in place of olive oil.
- Feel free to use any other light or fat-free shredded cheese.
Storage:
You can keep the leftovers in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Facts:
Please note that the provided nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a nutrition facts calculator and may vary based on the specific products used.
- Calories: 262 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
- Sodium: 168 mg
- Potassium: 683 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Vitamin A: 5696 IU
- Vitamin C: 211 mg
- Calcium: 98 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
