Ingredients:

  • 2 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup cooked rice
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush bell pepper halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side up in the baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce and cooked rice. Stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Spoon the beef mixture into the bell pepper halves, filling them generously.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
  8. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (if using) during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.