These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, topped with gooey melted cheese. It's a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner.

#### Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup uncooked rice

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

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes

- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

- Kosher salt

- Freshly ground black pepper

- 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed

- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

#### Directions:

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Cook Rice:** In a small saucepan, prepare rice according to package instructions.

3. **Prepare Filling:** In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat.

4. **Combine Ingredients:** Return beef mixture to skillet, then stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until the liquid has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.

5. **Prepare Peppers:** Place peppers cut side-up in a 9″x13″ baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.

6. **Stuff Peppers:** Spoon beef mixture into each pepper and top with Monterey jack cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.

7. **Bake:** Bake until peppers are tender, about 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until cheese is bubbly, about 10 minutes more.

8. **Serve:** Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy these delicious stuffed bell peppers straight from the oven, with the melted cheese topping creating a perfect finish to this comforting meal!