# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops removed, seeds discarded
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
04 - 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if required)
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp chili powder
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Optional Garnish
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Steps:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - Place bell peppers upright in a baking dish; slice a thin layer from bottoms if necessary to ensure they stand steadily.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart until fully browned, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
05 - Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer mixture for 4-5 minutes until thickened slightly.
06 - Distribute the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity.
07 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, then bake uncovered for an additional 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the peppers and serve immediately.
