Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds discarded

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken

• 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce, divided

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.

4. Stir in cooked rice and ½ cup marinara sauce; remove from heat.

5. Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

6. Place the bell peppers upside down in the dish. Spoon the meat-rice mixture into the bottom of the peppers (which is now facing up). Top each with shredded cheese.

7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.