Tender bell peppers filled with savory beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, any color
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
04 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Toppings
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
# Method Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
02 - Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
06 - Arrange bell peppers standing upright in the prepared dish. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each pepper.
07 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each pepper, then bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
09 - Allow to cool slightly before serving.
