Stuffed peppers are a fantastic option for solo cooks. One skillet of filling will fill between 4-6 peppers, meaning that you’ll have a healthy and filling option for dinner and lunch. Peppers can also be frozen and baked throughout the month so you don’t get bored eating the same thing for a week. Our filling features cranberries, almonds, beef, and whole grain rice, but you can really use just about anything. Quinoa is a great substitute if you’re looking to get protein and a more complex carbohydrates. For a vegetarian/vegan option, swap beef for cubes of tofu or tempeh. You’ll still get all of that delicious meaty texture but with less fat and calories.

Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 sweet bell peppers, cored and with top removed 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1lb ground lean beef

1 small Spanish onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

pinch red chili flakes

1/4 cup dried cranberries

3 tablespoons slivered almonds

1 1/2 cups brown rice

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1/2 cup mozzarella

salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F.

2. In a large skillet, preheat the oil over medium heat. Add the beef and sauté until just browned, about 5 minutes. Drain off about 1-2 tablespoons of extra juice. Add onion, garlic, oregano, chili and salt and pepper; sauté for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in cranberries and almonds and cook until almonds are just golden, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in rice, parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.

5. Divide the filling between the four bell peppers. Top with cheese and arrange in a small baking dish. Bake until cheese is melted and browned, 10 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven and arrange the bell pepper tops on each pepper for plating. Serve warm.

Amanda Garbutt is the host of The Hot Plate, a free online cooking show dedicated to inspiring culinary confidence in new cooks. The Hot Plate also offers regular cooking tips and advice, how-tos, and information on seasonal ingredients.