Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers

A rich Italian-style meat and tomato filling is mixed with rice or orzo, and baked in bell peppers.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 310 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 bell peppers (any color) stems and seeds removed, cut in half lengthwise
• 0.33333334326744 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 pound ground beef
• 0.25 cup red wine
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 0.5 cup cooked rice
• 1.5 cups prepared marinara sauce
• 0.125 cup minced carrots
• 0.125 cup celery
• 0.25 pound pancetta or lightly smoked bacon, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the carrots and celery; cook and stir until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in ground beef and pancetta, and cook until browned and crumbled; drain off any excess liquid, and return to heat. Add marinara sauce, wine, and red pepper flakes, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, and rice. Simmer 5 minutes more, or until most liquid has absorbed.

Step 4

Place peppers in a shallow baking dish, and fill with beef mixture. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 5

Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve hot.