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

1. Cut off top of peppers; remove seeds and membranes and wash thoroughly. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; set aside.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Spoon mixture into pepper cups. Sprinkle cups with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees 10 to 15 minutes.