Prepare the Bell Peppers: Begin by slicing off the tops of the bell peppers. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop out the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a small portion from the bottom to help the peppers stand upright during cooking. Set the peppers aside and get ready to fill them.
Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until soft and aromatic. Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
Combine the Rice and Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors. Taste the filling, and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of garlic powder.
Stuff the Peppers :Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, making sure to pack the filling in tightly. If there’s any leftover filling, you can add it around the peppers in the baking dish. Once filled, place the peppers upright in the dish.
Add Cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with a generous helping of shredded cheese. This will melt and bubble into a beautiful golden layer on top of your peppers.
Bake the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and lightly browned.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these comforting stuffed bell peppers on their own, or pair them with a side salad or steamed veggies for a full meal.