Cheesy Brown Rice Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Stuffed peppers have really grown on me over the last couple of years. I wasn't always a fan, or just really never thought to make them because my family didn't growing up, but lately I'm totally loving them! They're a great way to mix in your veggies and your carbs or your veggies and your protein up into one side dish that's super easy and yummy! This recipe is a great basic staple and starter stuffed pepper recipe with only a few ingredients and minimal prep time. It's one of my favorites for that very reason! I love pairing this with a serving of lean meat such as grilled chicken for a well balanced meal or if you want to get creative I'd also highly recommend mixing up some cooked ground beef or turkey into your cheese rice mix and making a complete meal out of these babies! I hope you enjoy them! 

Ingredients:

• 2 poblano peppers
• 1 8.5 oz. bag of ready brown rice ( I used a brown rice quinoa blend). You can also make your own, I just went for quick here!
• 1/4 cup low fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup + shredded cheddar or cheese of choice. 
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350'. 
2. Slice poblanos in half long ways as pictured above, scoop out all the seeds. 
3. Heat your instant brown rice per instructions on the bag. 
4. Mix cooked rice, cream cheese, and shredded cheese in a bowl. The cream cheese is what helps everything bind together while cooking so you don't have rice falling out everywhere and the shredded cheese or for the cheesy flavor and texture. I put 1/2 cup plus, because I'm not judging and you should add as much cheese as your little heart desires. 
5. Spoon and pack mixture into the poblanos as pictured. 
6. Optional, sprinkle a little salt & pepper for taste on top. 
7. Bake 20 minutes. If you choose to make more than 4 halves you may want to increase baking time a little. Everything is cooked and okay to eat, we're only baking to crisp the top of the rice, melt that cheese in, and soften the pepper so feel free to bake shorter or longer based on your preferences! 
8. Enjoy!