Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

115g uncooked rice

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

3 cloves garlic, crushed

450 g beef mince

1 (400g) can chopped tomatoes

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed

100 g grated Cheese

Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180ºC fan). In a small saucepan, prepare rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan over medium heat, heat oil.
3. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
5. Add beef and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 6 minutes
6. . Drain fat.
7. Return beef mixture to pan, then stir in cooked rice and chopped tomatoes.
8. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
9. Let simmer until liquid has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.
10. Place peppers cut side-up in a 23 x 33cm baking dish and drizzle with oil.
11. Spoon beef mixture into each pepper and top with grated cheese, then cover baking dish with foil.
12. Bake until peppers are tender, about 35 minutes.
13. Uncover and bake until cheese is bubbly, 10 minutes more.
14. Garnish with parsley before serving.