Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 2 large green bell peppers (about 10 ounces each)
• 3/4 pound ground sirloin
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (8.8-ounce) package precooked whole-grain brown rice (such as Uncle Ben's)
• 1 cup tomato-basil pasta sauce (such as Classico)
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preparation

1. 1. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place bell pepper halves, cut sides up, in an 11 x 7–inch baking dish. Microwave at HIGH 6 to 7 minutes or until tender.
2. 2. While bell peppers cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef and onion until browned, stirring to crumble beef. Drain, if necessary; return to pan. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, brown rice, and pasta sauce. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until warm, stirring occasionally.
3. 3. Fill bell pepper halves with beef mixture; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Microwave at HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
4. Choice ingredient
5. Microwaveable precooked rice, such as whole-grain brown, long-grain white, jasmine, or basmati, is a great shortcut instead of cooking rice from scratch. Precooked rice can be used as a stuffing, stirred into soups, or served as a healthy ninety-second side. It comes in an assortment of flavors, but be sure to look at each one's nutrition label—some seasoned varieties can be high in sodium.