Step 1: Preheat the oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.

Step 2: Prepare the bell peppers

• Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside and finely chop the tops for use in the filling.

Step 3: Sauté the filling

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and reserved chopped bell pepper tops. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Mix the stuffing

• Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 5: Stuff the peppers

• Fill each bell pepper with the prepared stuffing, pressing down gently to pack it. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper.

Step 6: Bake the peppers

• Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

• Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired, and serve warm.