Ww Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers

• cup uncooked white rice↗1⁄2 cup
• medium bell peppers, any color↗4
• ounces extra lean ground beef (7% or less fat)↗10 ounces
• small onion, chopped↗1
• garlic cloves, minced↗2
• cups 100% vegetable juice (e.g. V8)↗1 1⁄2 cups
• tablespoons grated parmesan cheese3 tablespoons
• teaspoon garlic powder↗1 teaspoon
• teaspoon italian seasoning↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning mix1⁄2 teaspoon
• teaspoon salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• teaspoon fresh ground pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Cook the rice according to package directions, omitting the butter or vegetable oil. Cool 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, with a sharp knife, slice off the top of each bell pepper and remove the seeds. Set aside. Remove and discard stems and chop remaining pepper tops.

3. 3

   Combine the cooked rice, the ground beef, onion, chopped pepper, garlic, 1/4 cup of the vegetable juice, the Parmesan, and spices in a medium bowl. Spoon the rice mixture, dividing it evenly, into the bell peppers.

4. 4

   Place the bell peppers in a deep 3-quart sauce pan; pour the remaining 1 1/4 cups vegetable juice around the bell peppers.

5. 5

   Set pan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer and cover.

6. 6

   Simmer until peppers are tender and beef is cooked through, 20 - 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Place each bell pepper in a serving bowl and serve with the sauce.