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Classic Stuffed Peppers

A comforting and hearty dish that combines fresh vegetables, savory flavors, and protein in one neat package, perfect for families and customizable to taste.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 4 pieces bell peppers (all colors)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 24 oz pasta sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • Parsley to garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and place them in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  3. Chop the onion.
  4. In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-low heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until it is no longer pink.
Mixing and Filling
  1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat and onions with the rice, 1 ½ cups of pasta sauce, and seasonings.
  2. Fill each pepper half with the meat mixture.
  3. Add another spoonful of sauce on top of each pepper, then sprinkle with cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 45 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can add more vegetables to the filling, like chopped zucchini or mushrooms. For extra flavor, add some Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the meat mixture. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or wrapped and frozen for 2-3 months.