Stuffed Green Peppers

Although I am completely against anything involving a green pepper, I just had to share this recipe passed along to me from my chef friend Brandon Plotner.  I substitute the peppers for tomatoes instead and they come out just the same, but with a bit of a saltier taste. I have a weird, deadly allergy to all the 'Bell' Pepper varieties so the tomatoes work great as a substitute.  I have even used large, green tomatoes that didn't completely turn red, straight from my garden.

What you'll need: 

• 6 green peppers washed & hollowed out. (save tops) (Or use red, yellow, orange, or even tomatoes if you have an allergy to green peppers)
• 1 Onion
• 1 box of Zatarain's dirty rice mix
• 2 pounds of ground beef
• Minced garlic
• Lea and Perrins thick Worcestershire sauce
• Verole' Queso Mexican style melting cheese
• Kraft Mexican four cheese
• Oregano for garnish if desired

  

What to do:

After washing and hollowing out the green peppers, submerge them in cold water. Blanch over medium heat, until they become soft. Dice the tops of the peppers that you saved and your onion (These will be used to season the meat). Place your ground beef into a skillet with 2 tbsp. of butter, 4 tbsp. of Worcestershire and 1/2 tbsp. of minced garlic. Add in the green peppers and onions, stir and cook thoroughly. While your meat is cooking, make the Zatarain's dirty rice according to the directions on the box.

When the peppers are soft, the meat is cooked and the rice is done, drain the meat and mix the rice in with it. Remove the peppers from the hot water and submerge them in cold water until they cool. After they cool down, place them in a baking dish. Fill them up half way with the meat and rice mixture and then add the Kraft Mexican Four Cheese. Then top them off with the Queso Cheese. 

Place the peppers in the oven on 400 degrees until the cheese is a golden brown (see picture above.) 

For a different variation to this recipe see Grilled Talapia and Stuffed Tomatoes.

Enjoy!

Eco-Tip:  Spread Hugs like wild fire!  Hugging someone can brighten their day and getting a hug can do the same in return to you, so spread them around everyday of your life.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

Quick Tips 102: Things you can't go without knowing

Quick tips 101:  Things you can't go without knowing.  

Cutting a potting soil bag into triangles and opening it up completely in order to use the soil.  This method is a lot better than dipping into the top of the bag (less mess too!).

Using freehand scroll patterns to decorate a wall.  This would look amazing in an entryway or high ceiling above a staircase.  (Photo credit:  Tip Junkie)

Using egg shells for seed starts.  This is something I just started this past growing season and I will say, they work wonderfully!

Continuing your growing season through the winter with window farming.  

(Photo credit:  Daily Press)

See more ideas for a window farm HERE!

Using an upside down Command Hook on the back of a door to hang a wreath on the other side. 

(Photo Credit:  Pinterest Pinner Michelle Florio)

Using two shower curtains in your bathroom to create a different look altogether.

(Photo Credit:  Pinterest Pinner Cassie Shoemaker)

Using Painter's Tape to help guide you as you caulk a bathtub or shower. 

(Photo Credit:  This Old House)

Wrapping your shoes in a shower cap before packing.  

(Photo Credit:  Pinterest Pinner Ava Kodama)

Using a wooden spoon to prevent boil-overs.  

(Photo Credit:  Little Miss Imperfect)

Or use this pot lid from Sur La Table.

Using a glow stick in a jar of water for a cool lighting effect.  This would be great for walkways during the holidays.

(Photo Credit:  Brandy's Crafts)

For more Quick Tips look to the right hand side of the main page for Stories in a Series:  Quick Tips 101.

Eco-Tip:  Get involved with your local National Park Society.  Nothing is more green than getting outdoors!  This group of current or retired park rangers and guides will give you a full educational experience on the destination of your choice.  They will give private tours or even group tours for family or groups of any size. To learn more about these tours and get to know the outdoors near your home better visit the National Park Society webpage.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.