Stuffed Texas Peppers

These stuffed peppers are fun to make and great for you! If you are a vegetarian, substitute ground meat for black or pinto beans instead. Super healthy and low-fat.

Involve your children in the preparation and I'll bet they won't even complain when you serve them this dish.

Now, don't let the directions limit your imagination either. Add in olives, top with sour cream, sprinkle with chopped nuts.... Delicious!

Ingredients:
4 large bell peppers (red, yellow and/or green)
3/4 lb. ground beef, or ground turkey
2 T taco seasoning
1 cup prepared Minute Rice
3/4 cup black bean/corn salsa
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Tabasco sauce (optional)

Directions:

Wash peppers, slice off tops and remove seeds
Microwave peppers on high with the cut side down, covered with plastic wrap, for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside- leaving the plastic wrap on for now.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meat and drain off excess fat. Add taco mix and 2 T water. Stir well. Add in prepared rice (if you like, you can use brown rice for extra fiber and a healthier choice!) Finally, stir in the salsa and cheese. Add salt and pepper and/or Tabasco to taste.

Remove the prepared peppers and turn cut-side up. Fill each with about 1 cup filling. Microwave again for about 30 seconds - 1 minute. We actually prefer to broil the peppers for 2-3 minutes.

You may want to double the recipe - at my house, we each have 2 peppers!