ChefLaura

2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tbsp Italian seasoning mix

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups spaghetti or marinara sauce, divided
2 links hot Italian sausage with casings removed
12 oz 90% lean beef
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
6 medium green bell peppers

(Note: For vegetarians...try a veggie sausage, Quorn, Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo..etc)


1. Combine rice with 1/2 cup boiling water; let stand 5 minutes. Add onions, pressed garlic, seasoning mix, salt, pepper and 3/4 cup of marinara sauce; mix well. Break sausage into small pieces into a bowl. Add beef and 1 cup of cheese; mix gently but thoroughly.

2. Cut tops off of bell peppers; remove stems and seeds. Pierce bottoms of peppers several times with tip of utility knife. Place peppers cut-side up in deep covered baker. Divide meat mixture evenly into peppers. Microwave, covered, on high 15-18 minutes or until internal temp of meat mixture in each pepper is 160 degrees.

3. Carefully remove baker from microwave. Divide remaining sauce evenly over tops of peppers. Cover; microwave 1-2 minutes or until sauce is hot. Top with remaining cheese. Let stand, covered, 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.Remove peppers from baker using tongs; allow excess liquid to drain from peppers.