BEEF AND QUINOA STUFFED PEPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Bring the quinoa and stock to a boil. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the grain looks translucent, 12 to 15 minutes. Then fluff with a fork. You will have about 4 cups of cooked grain.
• Drizzle the bell pepper halves with EVOO and season both sides with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down until the skins begin to char and the peppers are just tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temp, then arrange in a baking dish cut-side up.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, eggplant, zucchini, onions and chiles, and season with salt and pepper. Cook partially covered to tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the herbs and tomatoes, and combine with the quinoa.
• Fill the pepper halves with the quinoa and vegetable stuffing and drizzle with EVOO. Cool and chill for a make-ahead meal. To serve, roast in a 375 degree F oven until the peppers are hot through. Serve the pepper halves topped with lots of cheese crumbles.

Steps:

• Poke 2 small holes in the bottom of each pepper with a thin knife or toothpick. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except marinara sauce.
• Mound rice mixture into peppers. Do not pack tightly. Mixture should be slightly higher than top of pepper.
• Pour one cup of water in the Instant Pot and insert the steam rack.
• Place peppers onto rack and divide marinara sauce in the top center of each pepper.
• Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
• Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 9 minutes.
• When the time is up, quick-release the pressure. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature is at least 160°F degrees.
• (Optional) Place peppers under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to crisp the tops.
• Carefully remove the peppers, garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm.