Stuffed Bell Peppers with Tomato Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes (cooling)

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps to Cook:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
7. Spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it in firmly.
8. Pour the tomato sauce mixture around the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the tops of the peppers, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Note:

• For a vegetarian version, you can use cooked quinoa or lentils instead of ground meat.
• Adjust the baking time if you use smaller or larger bell peppers.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, well-balanced meal.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add other vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes.
• If you have leftover filling, you can stuff it into other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or tomatoes.

The Stuffed Bell Peppers with Tomato Sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of bell peppers, ground turkey or beef, brown rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is an excellent option for a family dinner or a meal prep option, as it can be prepared in advance and reheated later.

The bell peppers provide a nutritious and versatile base for the filling, which is made with lean ground meat or a vegetarian alternative, cooked rice, and a blend of herbs and spices. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and savory element to the dish, while the mozzarella cheese provides a creamy and melty topping.

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can use any color of bell pepper, and the filling can be customized to your liking. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked quinoa or lentils, making it a hearty and protein-packed meal. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese or add other vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes.

The preparation process is straightforward and relatively quick, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The total time from start to finish is just 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the majority of that time being hands-off baking in the oven.

Overall, the Stuffed Bell Peppers with Tomato Sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy option that is sure to please the whole family. It’s a balanced meal that combines the nutritional benefits of bell peppers, whole grains, and lean protein, all while delivering a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.