# Components:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops removed, seeds discarded
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meat
04 - 1 pound lean ground beef
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
12 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
→ Other
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a suitable baking dish.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook onion until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain fat if necessary.
05 - Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Fill each bell pepper evenly with the prepared beef mixture.
07 - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow peppers to soften.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese atop each pepper if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
09 - Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
