Favorite foods in the US range from Buffalo chicken wings and hot dogs to crab cakes, mac & cheese, popcorn, and nachos. If Americans are cooking at home, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, chicken, and apple pie rank highly. So, on National Cooking Day, what are you cooking?
We just had friends Bill and Angie Leffort give us some delightful fresh veggies from their North Carolina garden. I instantly knew I’d be stuffing the bell peppers, as that is a hubby favorite. I have several variations on this… some including such goodies as sausage and mushrooms, but I thought I’d share my Super Simple version, that anyone can whip up easily.
Super Simple Stuffed Roasted Peppers
2 large or 4 mini bell peppers (any color), halved vertically, seeds & pitch removed
Olive oil spray
1 med sweet onion, chopped½ lb ground beef, seasoned with favorite steak seasoning & mixed Italian herbs
½ c shredded muenster cheese
½ c shredded jack or mozzarella cheese
½-¾ c long grain & wild rice, cooked (or cauliflower rice, if preferred)
2-3 c tomato basil or marinara sauce
Place peppers, cut sides up in large Pyrex-type baking dish, spritz with olive oil, and roast at 425°F for 20 min. Meanwhile, in large microwave-safe bowl, cook onion on high for 2 minutes. Stir in seasoned beef and microwave 1 min; stir; microwave 1 more minute. Stir in half of both cheeses, all the rice, and 1 c sauce. Spoon into roasted pepper halves. Top with remaining cheeses; return to oven for 10-15 minutes and serve with warmed remaining sauce on the side.
