Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1

Cut thin slice from stem end of each pepper. Remove seeds and membranes; rinse. Place peppers, with tops, upright in ungreased 9x12 inch glass baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave until hot, 3 to 4 minutes--(note: do NOT cook peppers until done, you are just blanching them, 3 to 4 minutes should be plenty, depending on the size of your peppers). Proceed to finish cooking in microwave OR in oven (see following instructions).

Step 2

OVEN METHOD: Cook and stir hamburger and onion until hamburger is light brown; drain if necessary. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, cooked rice, corn (if using), and 1 cup of the tomato sauce; heat through.

Step 3

Stuff each pepper with hamburger mixture; stand upright in ungreased baking dish, 9x12 inches. Pour remaining sauce over peppers. Replace tops (stem ends) on peppers. Cover with foil; cook in 350 degree F oven 45 minutes. Uncover; cook 15 minutes longer. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4

-OR-.

Step 5

MICROWAVE METHOD: (This is a good technique in warm weather, when you don't want to heat up your kitchen!): Mix cooked rice, uncooked hamburger, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, corn, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce. Stuff each pepper with about 1/2 cup of the hamburger mixture. Pour remaining sauce over peppers. Replace tops on peppers. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave 7 minutes on HIGH. Turn plate; microwave until mixture is done, 7 to 8 minutes longer. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6

Serve with grated Parmesan cheese at the table. Makes 6 servings.