Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers

A few shortcuts make this classic easy.

• Ready In: 1 hr 3 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 12  green bell peppers
• 2  lbs ground beef
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  cups cooked rice
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  cups  shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Slice off the stem end of peppers and reserve for another use.
3. Remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers and rinse peppers inside and out.
4. To parboil, use the microwave as follows.
5. Place 4 peppers at a time face down on a dinner plate, cover with a microwave cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining peppers.
7. Place peppers face up in a baking dish just large enough to accommodate all 12 peppers.
8. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a large skillet with onion and garlic.
9. Drain off fat.
10. Add rice, half of tomato sauce, salt, and pepper; stir and heat until well combined.
11. Quickly stir in the cheese.
12. Fill each pepper with the beef mixture.
13. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the peppers and cover the baking dish tightly.
14. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
15. These may be frozen.