Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes    Cook Time: 1 hour    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

6 bell peppers , any color, or a combination or colors

2 tsp olive oil

1 ½ lbs ground beef

½ cup onion, finely chopped

2 tsp garlic, minced

1 ½ cups cooked white rice

salt and pepper , to taste

15 oz can tomato sauce

½ tsp Italian seasoning

1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided use

2 Tbsp parsley, chopped

cooking spray

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds inside.
3. Place the peppers cut side down in the baking dish. Add 1 ½ cups of water to the dish.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. While the peppers are cooking, prepare the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
6. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat until cooked through.
8. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the rice, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning . Stir to combine. Stir in ½ cup cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the peppers from the oven and drain off the water. Turn the peppers over and fill each one with the beef mixture.
10. Top each pepper with the remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned and peppers are tender.
11. Sprinkle with parsley, Serve.