# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, any color
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
04 - 1 lb ground beef (substitute ground turkey for lighter option)
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Toppings
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Set oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold peppers upright.
02 - Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes; set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up pieces, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to skillet and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
06 - Arrange bell peppers upright in baking dish and evenly spoon beef mixture into each pepper.
07 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle peppers with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
09 - Allow peppers to cool for several minutes before serving.
