Creating a dish with “hidden” ground beef is a fantastic way to incorporate protein into meals, especially if you’re trying to sneak more nutrients into the diet of someone who might be picky about meat. This concept can be particularly appealing for family meals where children might be reluctant to eat dishes that visibly contain meat. A classic approach to hiding ground beef is within a beloved dish where the meat blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, enhancing flavors without standing out. Here’s a recipe for Hidden Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers that cleverly conceals the meat within a colorful, nutritious, and delicious package.
Hidden Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut away and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 (400g or 14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish