Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 large bell peppers (mixed colors for presentation, approx. 2 lbs)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and ribs.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff the bell peppers with the beef mixture.
6. Place the bell peppers in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 10 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Colorful and visually appealing
• Savory and flavorful
• Easy to prepare and serve
• Can be customized with different fillings and toppings

User Comments:

• "These stuffed bell peppers were absolutely delicious! The flavors were perfect, and they were so easy to make."
• "I loved that I could use ingredients I already had on hand. It's a great weeknight meal."
• "The kids devoured these peppers. They're a healthy and kid-friendly option."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Choose bell peppers that are firm and have no blemishes.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
• To make ahead, prepare the stuffed peppers as directed and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and bake according to the instructions.