# Components:
→ 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 (or ground turkey as a substitute)
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish tall enough to hold the peppers upright.
02 - Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced 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, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the mixture.
06 - Arrange the bell peppers upright in the baking dish and spoon the meat mixture evenly into each one.
07 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving.
