Hearty Stuffed Green Peppers

• 6 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 4 medium green peppers
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 cup instant rice, cooked
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine tomatoes, onion, celery, tomato sauce, water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cut tops off of green peppers and remove seeds; set aside. In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, basil and remaining salt and pepper; mix well. fill peppers with beef mixture. Carefully place peppers in tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over tops of peppers.
3. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until beef is cooked and peppers are tender.

fresh tomatoes, onion, celery, tomato sauce, water, salt, pepper, green peppers, ground beef, instant rice, basil

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hearty-stuffed-green-peppers/ (may not work)