Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the insides and place them in a baking dish.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook your choice of ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine the cooked meat, sautéed onion and garlic, cooked rice, and desired spices (Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano) in a large bowl. Mix well to guarantee all ingredients are evenly combined.

Stuff each bell pepper half with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. Top each stuffed pepper with your choice of cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender. If desired, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as basil or parsley before serving.

For the best flavor, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices based on your preferences. Spicy Italian Stuffed Peppers are a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, making them a great option for those looking for lighter meals.

Adding ingredients like spinach or mushrooms not only boosts the nutritional value but also enhances the texture of the filling.

Additionally, if you have leftover filling, it can be served as a side dish or used in other recipes.

Enjoy the colorful presentation and hearty flavors of these spicy Italian stuffed peppers!