Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

     I love recipes that are healthy and can be used in many different ways!  Here's one that I make aaallll the time.  Originally I made this "stuffing" for bell peppers, but as I've made it more and more, I have found that there are many different uses and variations.  Here's the generic meat mixture...

Ingredients:
1/2 onion, diced
bell pepper, diced (I just use the top around the stem...instead of throwing it away)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 pound ground turkey (you could sub any ground meat you like)
3 tablespoons tomato sauce (pasta and pizza sauce work just as well)
1/4 cup cooked brown rice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon each of basil and parsley
Directions:
Real simple!  Heat a tablespoon of canola oil in a medium skillet.  Add the ingredients, in order, as the previous one cooks.  For example, start with your onion.  When the onion looks transparent, add your pepper.  When the pepper starts softening, add your garlic.  And so on.  Finish with your seasonings.  That's it!  The "stuffing" is complete and ready to go.

     Tonight I made stuffed bell peppers.  For these, I cooked the hollowed out peppers in boiling water for about two to three minutes.  I set them aside to dry and cool a little (VERY HOT!).  When I could handle them, I filled the peppers full of the "stuffing".  I put them standing up with enough water to cover the bottom of my baking dish.  Lastly, I baked them in 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.
     I only make two bell peppers for me and my boyfriend.  Sometimes, I'll double the "stuffing" recipe and save it for later.  Here are some ideas for leftover meals!
~ Mix the "stuffing" in your morning egg white scramble with some baby spinach.
~ Add the "stuffing" to your omelet with your favorite melt-y cheese.
~ Use the "stuffing" as the meat base for spaghetti sauce.
    For a Mexican twist, substitute the onion, garlic, tomato sauce and brown rice for  yellow rice and your favorite salsa.  Stuff a pepper, taco shell, burrito, quesadilla, or pour over tortilla chips for an extra special Taco Tuesday!
    As a [chef] on a teacher's budget, I have found this particular recipe to be a great way to stretch a few ingredients over more than one meal.  It's also great to cook a lot of on a weekend night and use as quick leftovers on a Manic Monday night :)