# What You'll Need:
→ Bell Peppers
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
→ Filling Base
02 - 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
03 - 1 cup cooked black beans or kidney beans, or 8.8 ounces ground beef, turkey, or chicken
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium tomato, diced, or 0.5 cup canned diced tomatoes
07 - 0.5 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen
08 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Garnishes (optional)
14 - Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
15 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
16 - Lime wedges
# Method Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and arrange them upright in a lightly greased baking dish.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - If using ground meat, add it now. Cook while breaking up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in cooked rice, beans if using, diced tomato, corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheese.
07 - Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared bell peppers, pressing gently to fill completely. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
08 - Pour 0.5 cup water or broth into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.
