Un-Stuffed" Bell Pepper Bake
1 cup brown rice
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tbs olive oil
1 can (14 1/2-oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp Italian seasoning
3 cans (8-oz.) tomato sauce
2 cups shredded Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook rice according to package directions. Set aside and keep warm.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook ground beef until browned, stirring to break up meat. Drain fat; set beef aside.
In a large deep skillet cook bell pepper and onion in hot oil until tender. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Stir cooked rice and beef into tomato mixture. Pour into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese, and serve.
jackie austin