Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beef

Serving: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Peppers:

  • 6 whole bell peppers (any color)

  • Olive oil

• For the Filling:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 small white onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

  • 1 cup cooked white rice

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • Black pepper to taste

  • 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• For Garnishing:

  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membrane.

   • Place the bell peppers cut side down in a baking dish.

   • Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat evenly.

2. Cook the Filling:

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

   • Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked white rice, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.

   • Add the thawed and drained spinach, stirring until it is evenly distributed and heated through. Remove from heat.

3. Stuff and Bake the Peppers:

   • Turn the bell peppers cut side up in the baking dish.

   • Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper half, packing it tightly and filling them to the top.

   • Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each stuffed pepper.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Additional Notes

• Pepper Choices: Using different colors of bell peppers adds a vibrant presentation and slightly different flavors.

• Cheese Substitution: You can substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or any melting cheese of your choice.

• Rice Options: Brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice for a healthier twist.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340

• Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Dietary Fiber: 4g

  • Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 23g