# Ingredient List:
→ Peppers
01 - 4 large bell peppers, any color, tops removed and seeds cleaned
→ Pasta
02 - 3/4 cup elbow macaroni, whole wheat or regular
→ Chili Mixture
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 pound lean ground beef or turkey
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
10 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese
15 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
→ Garnish
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Green onions, sliced
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to accommodate the peppers in an upright position.
02 - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and reserve.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
04 - Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks until completely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove from heat. Fold in cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup).
07 - Arrange prepared bell peppers upright in the greased baking dish. Evenly distribute chili mac mixture into each pepper, pressing gently to ensure full filling.
08 - Crown each filled pepper with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
09 - Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil.
10 - Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is golden brown.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions if desired.
