Baked stuffed peppers with tomatoes and cheese

Here’s a recipe for Baked Stuffed Peppers with Tomatoes and Cheese—a tasty and satisfying dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 cup canned tomatoes (diced or crushed)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano or basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the peppers:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
• Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.

2. Prepare the filling:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
• Season with dried oregano or basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice or quinoa. Mix well.
• Stir in half of the shredded cheese and fresh basil or parsley if using.

3. Stuff the peppers:

• Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in gently.
• Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

4. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add cooked ground meat (such as beef, turkey, or sausage) or beans to the filling.
• You can also add vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for added texture and nutrition.

These Baked Stuffed Peppers with Tomatoes and Cheese are flavorful, customizable, and make a great main dish or side. Enjoy!