UNCLE BILL'S STUFFED SWEET PEPPERS

Steps:

• Carefully cut out the stem portion of the peppers.
• Remove seeds and membranes carefully and discard.
• Place peppers (stand upright) in a large saucepan.
• Add 1/2 cup water, cover and bring to boil and parboil for 5 minutes.
• Drain well; set aside covered.
• In a medium saucepan, add rice and chicken broth and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
• In a large frying pan, add olive oil, ground beef and chopped onion and saute' until mixture is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, grated carrots, garlic powder, Italian herb seasoning mix, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes including liquid, cooked rice, dill weed; mix well and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Carefully stuff peppers with mixture.
• Place stuffed peppers (standing up) in a deep, oven-proof casserole dish.
• Spoon any remaining mixture over peppers.
• In a small mixing bowl, mix together ketchup and water.
• Pour this sauce equally over the stuffing in each pepper.
• Cover casserole dish with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove lid or foil, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.
• Continue to bake uncovered at 350 F for another 10 minutes or until cheese melts.
• Serve hot.
• You may use a combination of red, orange, yellow or green peppers for a colorful presentation and a variety of taste.