mini u stuff it

MINI MEATLOAF PEPPER RINGS

Looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties or a weeknight dinner? These Mini Meatloaf Pepper Rings are the answer! These bite-sized delights combine the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with the spicy kick of bell peppers. Each ring is packed with savory meatloaf filling and baked to golden perfection. They’re easy to make, perfect for picky eaters, and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your guests with this unique and delicious twist on a classic!

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 tsp creole seasoning
  • 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
  • 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Slice the tops and bottoms off the bell peppers, then remove the ribs and seeds. Cut the peppers into 3 thick rings and set them on a parchment-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup. Dice the leftover pepper parts and set them aside for the meat mixture.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the creole seasoning, bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, garlic, and the diced pepper parts. Mix until everything is well combined.
  • Stuff each pepper ring with the meat mixture, creating a small dome on top.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, you can transfer the stuffed peppers to a casserole dish later.
  • Brown each stuffed pepper ring for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Depending on the size of your pot, you may need to work in batches.
  • Once browned, pour the crushed tomatoes over the stuffed peppers. If using a casserole dish, transfer the stuffed peppers to the dish before adding the tomatoes.
  • Bake in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the meat is cooked through. Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend over the stuffed peppers and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

MINI CLOSET MAKEOVER

Are you tired of a cluttered closet? Even the smallest spaces can be transformed into organized havens. This mini closet makeover guide will provide tips and tricks to maximize your storage and create a functional, stylish space. From sorting and decluttering to utilizing clever storage solutions, we’ll help you make the most of your closet, no matter its size.

First, I took everything out of the closet and removed that long closet rod and shelf. Next, I took Katie Goldworthy’s advice and sent 40% of our stuff to Goodwill! Out went anything that hadn’t been worn in the past year, which helped tremendously.

The biggest frustration with this closet was the dead space on the sides, making it hard to reach the clothes at the end of the rod. To fix this, I installed two rods on each side, facing outwards, which made accessing everything much easier!

Supplies you’ll need:

A drill: We opted for a wooden closet rod, but with lumber prices these days, a metal adjustable one might be a better choice.


Wall anchors if you aren’t drilling into a wall stud: I did the same thing on my side, effectively doubling our closet space!

Our closet light needs replacing (it was smelling a bit hot—yikes!), so I left that for another time, but you get the idea!

For the middle section, I picked up two brackets with rod holders and installed another clothes rod with a shelf above it. If you have a scrap piece of wood lying around, you could use that as well!

I also found a cube organizer for $39.99, along with a few bins to store socks, paint clothes, swimsuits, and more.

To finish it off, I added a couple of pretty knobs, and that was it!

I absolutely love our closet now! Have you discovered any creative solutions for maximizing small closet spaces?