# Components:
→ 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 and 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 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Other
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Place the bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
04 - Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
07 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and peppers soften.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley if preferred and serve warm.
