Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or vegetarian alternative, such as lentils)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a non-dairy alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or cilantro)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
  3. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent (about 5 minutes).
  4. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Generously fill each bell pepper with the meat mixture using a spoon. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
  6. Pour a splash of water into the baking dish to create steam. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.