Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

• Preheat and Prepare Rice: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats up, prepare the rice according to the package instructions in a small saucepan.
• Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens, which should take around 7 minutes. Stir in the finely minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink, which should take approximately 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

• Combine Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes into the beef mixture. Season with dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer, occasionally stirring, until the liquid reduces slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.
• Prepare Bell Peppers: Arrange the bell peppers cut side up in a 13″x9″ baking dish, and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil. Fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, then top each one with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed peppers until they become tender, which should take around 35 minutes. Afterward, uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese turns bubbly and golden.
• Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed bell peppers for a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed bell peppers!

This flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a delightful gathering with friends.