Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers

 By: The Food Hunter

Stuffed peppers are one of the meals I turn to when I need something wholesome and delicious on my table in a hurry. Because while they may appear time-consuming or hard to make, in reality, they are one of the simplest dishes ever.  You can even prepare them in advance and eat them the next day. 

Peppers can be stuffed with any variety of ground meat-chicken, pork, beef or duck, along with either rice, couscous or orzo pasta. Mix with seasoned tomato sauce before filling the pepper and baking. The key to making delicious stuff peppers is to boil the peppers in advance. This ensures they are nice and soft when you finally pull them out of the oven.

Italian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 small can of crushed tomatoes - simmered with garlic + parmesan cheese
  
• 1/2 lb ground meat of your choice
  
• 1 cup of cooked rice, couscous, or orzo pasta
  

Preparation

1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
   
2. Simmer the peppers for 3 minutes, in a large pot. Rinse with cool water and set aside on paper towels to drain.
3. In a skillet, heat the ground meat and cook until no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper.
   
4. Add the rice and half of tomatoes and stir together.
   
5. Spoon into the peppers.
6. Top with the rest of the tomato sauce.
7. Bake in an ungreased casserole at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
8. Serve warm.