Serves :4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 red bell peppers
• Salt to taste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups tomato soup
• Water as needed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Cook the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes and then drain.
2. Sprinkle salt inside each pepper and set them aside.
3. In a skillet, sauté onions and ground beef until the beef is browned. Drain off excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice or quinoa, chopped tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of water. Cover the skillet and simmer until the rice or quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
6. Stuff each pepper with the rice and beef mixture. Place the peppers open side up in a baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato soup with just enough water to make it a gravy consistency. Pour the tomato soup mixture over the stuffed peppers.
8. Bake the stuffed peppers covered for 25 to 35 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers! Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

Here are some variations of the stuffed peppers recipe:

1. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground beef with cooked quinoa or cooked lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like diced zucchini, corn, or spinach to enhance the flavors and nutrition.
2. Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers: Add a Mexican twist by seasoning the ground beef with taco seasoning or a mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Mix in some black beans and corn with the rice for a delicious Tex-Mex flavor.
3. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Use ground lamb instead of beef and add Mediterranean spices like oregano, basil, and thyme. Incorporate ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers to give it a Mediterranean flair.
4. Italian Stuffed Peppers: Season the ground beef with Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley. Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni for an extra kick. Use marinara sauce instead of tomato soup and top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Asian-Inspired Stuffed Peppers: Use ground pork or chicken seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Mix in cooked white or brown rice with diced water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce before baking.
6. Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers: Replace ground beef with ground lamb and add traditional Greek flavors like cinnamon, allspice, and mint. Mix in cooked orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
7. Seafood Stuffed Peppers: Instead of ground beef, use cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or a mixture of seafood. Mix in cooked quinoa or couscous, chopped bell peppers, and green onions. Top with a creamy seafood sauce before baking.
8. Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Layer the ingredients in a casserole dish instead of stuffing the peppers. Combine all the ingredients in the casserole dish, including cooked rice, ground beef, chopped vegetables, and tomato soup. Bake until the flavors meld together.