Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers: A Perfectly Balanced Meal

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers: A Perfectly Balanced Meal

This delicious and nutritious dish features bell peppers stuffed with a hearty mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and rice. The colorful peppers not only add visual appeal but also provide a healthy dose of vitamins. This meal is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing your guests with a visually appealing and tasty dish.

Ingredients###
For the stuffed peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions###

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
5. Combine the filling ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, corn kernels, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Stuff the peppers: Place the bell peppers in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with the beef and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
7. Add cheese: Generously top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. 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 bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!