One Pot Dinner: Unstuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 6-8 mini peppers, chopped 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 oz no salt tomato sauce
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of rice
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika 
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1/2 cup of half & half
• Cayenne, to taste

Directions:

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and brown it for about 5-7 minutes.
• Roughly chop your onions and add it with your peeled garlic to the food processor. Transfer to a bowl. See pics. Saves me a lot of time.
• Next, wash your peppers, cut off the tops, chop in two pieces and add those to the food processor. Chop those up the same way as the onions and the garlic. Transfer them to the same bowl as well. See pics.
• When the beef is browned, add peppers, onions, and garlic mixture. Saute until they begin to become translucent.
• Add in the rice and combine.
• Now add the spices.
• Mix well and add the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and lower to a simmer for 20 minutes.
• Stir every 5 minutes or so to avoid burning but also to make sure all of the rice is coated and cooks evenly. If it seems too dry, add 1/4 cup of water and stir again.
• Just before it’s finished, last 5 minutes, add 1/2 cup of half & half. It gives it a nice rich flavor and mouth feel.
• Serve with garlic toast & enjoy.
• OPTIONAL: Top it with feta or shredded cheese.