BAKED STUFFED PEPPERS

Here’s a classic recipe for Baked Stuffed Peppers — hearty, comforting, and full of savory goodness. You can customize the filling with beef, turkey, or go vegetarian. This recipe is easy to prep and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

🌶️ Baked Stuffed Peppers

🕒 Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 45 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey (or cooked lentils for vegetarian)

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

3. Cook the filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened (3–4 minutes).

   • Add ground meat, cook until browned and cooked through.

   • Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.

4. Stuff the peppers:

   • Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture.

   • Place peppers upright in a baking dish.

   • Top each with shredded cheese.

5. Bake:

   • Add about ¼ inch of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers.

   • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.

   • Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations:

• Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

• Add chopped veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the filling.

• For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne or chili powder.

• Use vegan cheese and lentils or beans for a vegetarian/vegan version.