1. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion. These peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic vegetables, then baked to perfection for a tender, flavorful result.

Why You’ll Love It

• Satisfying and filling, making it a great main dish.
• Versatile – can be customized with different fillings and toppings.
• Healthy, with a balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbs.

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spoon the beef mixture into the pepper halves, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Variations And Substitutions

Try using different types of ground meat, such as turkey or Italian sausage. You can also swap the rice for quinoa or couscous, or add in extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage, And Serving Tips

Stuffed peppers can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F until heated through. Serve the stuffed peppers as a main dish, or as a side to a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.