Dishin’ With Debbie-Stuffed Peppers

Too hot to think about turning on the oven?  No need to with these quick, easy stuffed peppers that cook in the microwave in just 11 minutes!  They're delicious and perfect for busy summer weeknights.  

Ingredients:

3 or 4 green bell peppers

3/4 pound lean ground beef

14 ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce

1 cup seasoned croutons, crushed

1 large egg

1 tsp. dried onion flakes

grated parmesan for topping

Directions:

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds and membranes.  In mixing bowl, combine egg, 3/4 cup marinara sauce, onion flakes, croutons and beef.   Season with pepper, if desired.  Spoon mixture evenly into peppers.  Place in microwave safe dish and cover with parchment or wax paper.  Cook on high for 11 minutes.  Carefully remove dish.  Spoon a tablespoon of sauce over each pepper, and top with parmesan cheese.  Extra sauce can be heated and served on the side.

*Tip:  I save the tops of the peppers I cut off, and chop them to be used for a stir fry later.  I also use the extra quarter pound of beef left from the 1 pound package to make a burger for later.