Italian Stuffed Peppers

Italian Stuffed Peppers is a classic comfort dish that my husband and I can remember our mom's making when we were growing up.  I used to eat them as a single gal because it's so budget friendly, but have continued preparing them into my married life because my husband thinks my recipe tastes just like the one from his childhood. This is a fantastic winter dish that's warm and hearty and my version offers a little kick with the addition of apple cider vinegar. Goes perfect with crusty bread (see my recipe for Irish Soda Bread) and a salad. Full of veggies - you are eating a whole green pepper!

Ingredients:

4 green peppers, seeded/tops removed

1 lb lean ground beef or sirloin

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 tsp garlic, minced

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 cup cooked brown or white rice

1 can (7oz) tomato sauce, divided

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

4 tbsp shredded cheese of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a large skillet on medium-high.

Brown ground beef, onion, garlic, and seasonings until beef is cooked through.

Add cooked rice, apple cider vinegar, and half of the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.

Fill each pepper with filling mixture and top with remaining tomato sauce. Cover with foil and cook for 45 minutes. Remove cover, add cheese to each pepper and cook for additional 15 min until cheese is bubbly and peppers are soft.