Stuffed Bell Peppers (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Filling

01 - 1 pound ground beef, lean
02 - 1 medium onion, diced small
03 - 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
04 - 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes from a can
05 - 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
06 - 1.5 cups pre-cooked brown rice
07 - 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
08 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
10 - Salt (Kosher), add as you like
11 - Pepper, adjust to your taste

→ Peppers and Topping

12 - 7 big bell peppers, tops sliced off and seeds removed
13 - 1 cup cheddar-jack cheese, shredded
14 - Parsley, chopped fresh for sprinkling

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 375°F and arrange the 7 bell peppers upright on a baking tray or dish with edges.
02 - Use a large pan on medium heat and warm up 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the onion until it's soft, then stir in the garlic and sauté for 60 seconds.
03 - Put the ground beef into the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, crumbling it until it's no longer pink. Mix in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, and cooked rice. Let it simmer down for 4-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
04 - Spoon the cooked beef filling into the bell peppers. Bake them in the oven for around 10-12 minutes until they're slightly softened.
05 - Scatter cheddar-jack cheese over each pepper. Bake them for another 5-7 minutes till the cheese melts. Finish with chopped parsley on top before digging in.

# Notes:

01 - Try swapping in quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb version. Ground turkey can take the place of beef, and fat-free cheese works great as a lighter option.
02 - Store extras in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Warm leftovers in the microwave when you're ready to eat!