Description
Vibrant bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and gooey cheese, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, any color
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon no salt added Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a high-sided 9×13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Slice each bell pepper in half from top to bottom, removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut-side-up in the dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, diced onions, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the ground beef, season with ½ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining marinara sauce, cooked rice, parsley, parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of the Italian cheese mixture until well combined.
- Generously fill each pepper half with about a heaping ½ cup of the beef and rice mixture. Top each pepper with the remaining ½ cup of Italian cheese blend.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try sautéing diced mushrooms or spinach with the onions. Top with panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American