Mardi Gras Peppers

Description

 * Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

 * 6 whole bell peppers (2 yellow, 2 red, 2 green)
 * ¼ cup olive oil
 * 1½ pounds lean ground beef or ground pork
 * 2 cups chopped onions
 * 1 cup chopped green peppers
 * ½ cup chopped celery
 * 1 tablespoon minced garlic
 * 4 cups fresh mushrooms, chopped (about 1 pound)
 * 1 cup chicken broth
 * 1 cup tomato sauce
 * ¼ cup butter or margarine
 * 2 teaspoons thyme
 * hot pepper sauce to taste
 * 4 cups cooked rice
 * salt and ground black pepper to taste
 * ½ cup bread crumbs

Directions

 * 1) Cut off top of peppers; remove seeds and membranes and wash thoroughly.
 * 2) Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; set aside.
 * 3) Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
 * 4) Add beef, onions, pepper, celery and garlic.
 * 5) Saute 4 to 5 minutes or until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
 * 6) Add mushrooms and chicken broth.
 * 7) Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
 * 8) Add tomato sauce, butter, thyme and pepper sauce.
 * 9) Simmer 7 to 9 minutes.
 * 10) Add rice, salt and pepper to taste.
 * 11) Spoon mixture into pepper cups.
 * 12) Sprinkle cups with bread crumbs.
 * 13) Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.