Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious and satisfying Stuffed Bell Pepper Bowls. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and will guide you through each stage of preparation.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the bell peppers. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly under cold water. Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise, from the stem to the bottom. Use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds and membranes from each half. Be gentle to avoid tearing the peppers. Set the pepper halves aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the onion is translucent, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking the onion and garlic first builds a flavorful base for the filling.
3. Brown the Ground Meat: Add the ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, ensuring no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Draining the grease is important for a healthier dish and better flavor.
4. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: To the skillet with the cooked ground meat, add the diced tomatoes (undrained), corn, black beans, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients and ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Simmer the Filling: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken. This step is crucial for developing a rich and cohesive filling.
6. Stuff the Bell Pepper Bowls: Arrange the bell pepper halves in a baking dish. You can lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, if desired. Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, filling them generously. Don’t overfill them, but make sure each pepper is nicely packed.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed bell pepper bowl. Ensure each pepper gets a good amount of cheese for a satisfyingly cheesy topping.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your bell peppers and your oven. The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the stuffed bell pepper bowls from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a fresh and vibrant touch. Serve hot and enjoy!