sloppy joe stuffed peppers
(from ccooper’s recipe box)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 large stalk of celery, diced
- 1 small can mushrooms or a few sliced fresh mushrooms (I like the canned ones for this)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced or 1 tsp prepared minced garlic
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar or Splenda sweetener
- 1-2 tsp white vinegar
- 1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp Frank's Hot Sauce, a small can of diced green chiles, or a diced jalapeno (for optional kick)*
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard is fine)
- Kosher salt and pepper
- Low-fat shredded cheese
- 3 green bell peppers halved from top to bottom
Directions
-
Brown the ground beef with the onion, celery, garlic and sliced mushrooms if using fresh (no need to reduce the canned ones).
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Drain off any excess fat if there is any. Stir in the remaining ingredients (except cheese and peppers) and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
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Once thickened, remove from heat and add a good handful of shredded cheese and mix. Set aside.
-
Drop the cut and seeded green pepper halves into boiling water for 3 minutes to partially cook and soften them. Remove them to a towel or rack to drain and cool.
-
Lightly spray the bottom of a shallow casserole or baking dish with cooking spray and place the bell pepper halves cut side up.
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Divide the meat filling amongst the peppers and top each with oodles of shredded cheese.
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Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until cheese is hot and bubbly and peppers are tender. 6 servings.