Mardi Gras Peppers

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 6 whole bell peppers (2 yellow, 2 red, 2 green)
 * 1/4 cup olive oil
 * 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground pork
 * 2 cups chopped onions
 * 1 cup chopped green peppers
 * 1/2 cup chopped celery
 * 1 tablespoon minced garlic
 * 4 cups fresh mushrooms, chopped (about 1 pound)
 * 1 cup chicken broth
 * 1 cup tomato sauce
 * 1/4 cup butter or margarine
 * 2 teaspoons thyme
 * Hot pepper sauce to taste
 * 4 cups cooked rice
 * Salt and ground black pepper to taste
 * 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions
Cut off top of peppers; remove seeds and membranes and wash thoroughly. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; set aside.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onions, pepper, celery and garlic. Saute 4 to 5 minutes or until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Add mushrooms and chicken broth. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add tomato sauce, butter, thyme and pepper sauce. Simmer 7 to 9 minutes. Add rice, salt and pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into pepper cups. Sprinkle cups with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees 10 to 15 minutes.