STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

When I start seeing bell peppers for .50 each or less, I start craving this dish. It's simple, warm and satisfying, and above all, very inexpensive to make. I calculated our dinner to cost roughly $2.83, or about .71 per serving. {I got our peppers at Clem's for only .25 each!} However, my pantry is well-stocked with items I purchased at rock bottom price, so it's understandable that it costs most people more to make this dish.

By my calculations, a more "normal" price for the full 6 servings is around $6.00 or about $1 per serving. This recipe is very versatile as well, so if you don't have a certain item on hand, substitute something else! For instance, I rarely buy 15 oz cans of tomato sauce, so I use diced tomatoes instead. Also, you can used garlic powder and even onion powder in place of the fresh items.

Also, if you're not big meat eaters, halve the meat and replace it with more rice. You can even use brown rice, for a healthier version. The filling freezes nicely too, so oftentimes, I'll make a double batch and freeze half so that meal prep is that much shorter next time around.

I just use the recipe from my beloved Betty Crocker cookbook, save a few minor variations on my part. {Seriously, I can never just leave a recipe alone!}

Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients
6 large bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions

1 cup cooked rice (measured dry, before cooking)

1 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 {15 oz} can tomato sauce {I use a can of diced tomatoes instead.}

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

DirectionsCut thin slice from stem end of each pepper. Remove seeds and membranes; rinse. Cook peppers in enough boiling water to cover for 5 minutes; drain.

Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet, stirring frequently, until beef is browned; drain. Stir in salt, garlic, cooked rice, and tomatoes or 1 cup of the tomato sauce. Heat through.

Stuff each pepper with hamburger mixture; stand upright in baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over peppers. {I don't do this.} Cover with foil; cook in 350 degree F oven for 45 minutes. Uncover; cook 15 minutes longer. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Enjoy!