Salvatore’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup Salvatore’s Tomato Sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers and set them aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, Salvatore’s Tomato Sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the filling simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
7. Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish. If you have any remaining tomato sauce, you can drizzle some over the top of each stuffed pepper.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.
9. If using shredded mozzarella cheese, remove the foil from the baking dish, sprinkle the cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper, and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Enjoy your savory and comforting Salvatore’s Stuffed Bell Peppers, perfect for a hearty dinner or special occasion!