Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

These hearty, flavorful stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, making for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
2. Mix rice and seasoning: Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes, then season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly.
3. Stuff the peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bell peppers cut-side up in a 13″x9″ baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper, packing it in gently. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 570mg
Potassium: 600mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 28%
Vitamin C: 150%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 20%