Cheesy Stuffed Bell Pepper Bowls

Ingredients

For the Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

Topping

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare peppers
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice bell peppers in half and remove seeds. Arrange in a lightly greased baking dish or foil pans.
2. Cook the filling
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
3. Season
   Stir in cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Fill the peppers
   Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper half. Top with jalapeños if using.
5. Add cheese
   Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan generously over the tops.
6. Bake
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
7. Serve
   Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Optional Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for low carb
• Add black beans or corn
• Spice it up with taco seasoning or hot sauce

Serving Suggestions

• Green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Sour cream or salsa on the side.