Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating, prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned, then drain any excess fat.

Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (or sauce), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Additionally, the flavorful filling combines seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, rice, and vegetables for a delicious taste.

Spoon the filling into each prepared bell pepper, packing it down gently to guarantee they're well-stuffed. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the peppers with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Optional: For extra sweetness and texture, you can pre-roast the bell peppers in the oven for 15 minutes before stuffing them.

Once done, remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

For those looking to enhance their stuffed peppers, consider adding a splash of marinara sauce to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

You can also experiment with different meats or even make them vegetarian by using beans and vegetables as a filling.

If you're preparing the dish ahead of time, feel free to assemble the stuffed peppers a day in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.

Enjoy this delightful dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!