Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers
(justcookalready.com)
If busy, make the stuffing the night before, or the morning of, and then all you have is stuff the peppers and bake them later . . .
Ingredients
4 large red bell peppers
1.25 lbs. ground meat (I prefer turkey)
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (or a 1/2 packet of the liquid kind)
Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder to taste
1 cup cooked rice** (I buy the frozen package from Trader Joe's...quick and easy, perfect for week night cooking)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
1/2 cup jarred salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped green onion tops
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup hot water
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Start by cutting the peppers in half lengthwise, leaving the stems intact, and halving them also. Remove the seeds and ribs inside the peppers- makes 8 servings. (You could also cut the tops off, remove the seeds and ribbing and serve that way if desired. Makes 4 servings.)
Using a hot skillet, saute the ground meat, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Saute until onions become translucent. Drain the fat off. Add the rice, cheese, salsa, sour cream, tomatoes, green onion tops, and soy sauce, stir until heated through. Mix well and stuff the mixture into the peppers, top with shredded cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the hot water and the remaining bouillon granules. Pour this mixture into a shallow casserole large enough to hold all of the peppers. Place the stuffed peppers in the dish, cover with foil and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Remove the foil and spoon the juice from bottom of the casserole over the top of the peppers. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
**If you have a Trader Joes in your area, check the freezer section for pre-packaged brown or white rice. There are three pkgs. to a box, and 2 cups to a package. You just microwave and eat...it's fluffy and delicious and perfect if you're in a hurry.