Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (4, halved and seeded)
• Ground beef (1 pound)
• Cooked rice (1 cup)
• Tomato sauce (1 cup)
• Onion (1, diced)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Shredded cheese (1 cup, for topping)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish))

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into the halved bell peppers, pressing down gently to fill them completely. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the peppers moist during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.