# List of Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
04 - 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Optional Garnish
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Arrange the bell peppers upright in a baking dish, trimming a thin slice from the bottom if needed to keep them standing.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
07 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove the foil, top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
