INGREDIENTS:
For the Peppers:
- 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or plant-based alternative
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella or feta cheese, crumbled or shredded
- 1 teaspoon Herb Blend
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons Neapolitan Herb Dark Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Franklin Raw Honey
- 1 tablespoon Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside.
- Lightly brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef or plant-based alternative, quinoa or rice, cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the mozzarella or feta cheese.
- Spoon the filling into each of the prepared bell peppers, packing it tightly.
- Place the tops back on each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly browned.
- While the peppers are baking, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the extra virgin olive oil.
- Once the peppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the tops.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!