Peppers baked with minced meat and potatoes

Baked peppers with minced meat and potatoes is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a comforting meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious casserole:

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color or a mix)
• 1/2 pound (250g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 1/2 cups fresh diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra filling)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers:

   • Wash the bell peppers and cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers can stand upright in the baking dish.

2. Cook the Potatoes:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Gently fold the cooked potatoes and cooked rice (if using) into the meat mixture.

5. Stuff the Peppers:

   • Spoon the meat and potato mixture into each bell pepper, packing it gently. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top of the filling.

6. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If desired, drizzle with a little olive oil.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese (if used) is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

This baked pepper dish is filling and versatile, making it a great option for a comforting family dinner. Feel free to customize it with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste!