Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or 1 can black beans for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the peppers by slicing the tops off and removing the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
  3. In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground meat (or beans) and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, spices, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, around 5 minutes.
  5. Fill the peppers with the mixture, packing it gently. Sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbling.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.