baked stuffed green peppers with meatballs 🍅🫑🔥 INGREDIENTS: For the meatballs: 500g ground beef 1 small onion, finely grated 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 egg 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano For the peppers and sauce: 6 green bell peppers, halved and seeded 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 500g crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/2 cup water or broth INSTRUCTIONS: STEP 1: PREPARE THE MEATBALL MIX In a large bowl combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix until fully combined then shape into medium-sized meatballs. STEP 2: PREPARE THE PEPPERS Place halved green peppers in a baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil. Lightly season with salt and set aside. STEP 3: MAKE THE TOMATO SAUCE In a pan heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, chili flakes, and water. Simmer until slightly thickened. STEP 4: ASSEMBLE AND BAKE Place meatballs inside or between pepper halves. Pour the tomato sauce all around and over them. Cover with foil and bake at 190°C for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until browned and bubbling. STEP 5: SERVE Let it rest slightly before serving so the sauce thickens and flavors settle. DRESSING / SAUCE IDEA: Serve with garlic yogurt sauce or lemon tahini drizzle for extra creaminess and balance. TIPS: For a lighter version use ground chicken or turkey. For gluten free replace breadcrumbs with oat flour. Add grated cheese on top for a richer baked crust. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1h10 | Servings: 5 #stuffedpeppers #meatballs #bakedrecipes #comfortfood - @therecipecollector