Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (fresh produce section)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (quality meats section)
• 1 cup cooked rice (rice section)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (canned goods section)
• 1 small onion, chopped (fresh produce section)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh produce section)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (dairy section)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (spices section)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (fresh produce section, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
   • Place the bell peppers in a baking dish, standing upright. If they don’t stand well, you can slice a thin layer off the bottom to help them balance.
2. Cook the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
   • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Stuff the Bell Peppers:
   • Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, pressing down to fill them completely.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy these delicious and hearty stuffed bell peppers made with fresh ingredients from Jumbo Fresh Supermarket! Bon appétit!