# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meat
04 - 1 lb lean ground beef
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 0.5 tsp chili powder
11 - 0.5 tsp salt
12 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
→ Other
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
02 - Place the bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper.
07 - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the peppers if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
09 - Optionally garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
