Stuffed Peppers & Tomatoes

Until a few years ago, I wouldn't even go near a bell pepper - I think I was always afraid they were spicy.... silly me! Bell peppers are great for snacks, and good on fajitas and other dishes, but I think I like stuffed peppers the best. This is my roommate's recipe, and they always turn out great! The recipe makes enough that you can freeze some of the filling for another day (enough to make at least 4 peppers/tomatoes), which makes for a super quick dinner on a busy night.

Stuffed Peppers (or tomatoes!)
4 to 6 bell peppers (medium to large, use any color you like)
4 large beefsteak tomatoes
1 lb ground beef
2 T. Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
3/4 cup white rice or couscous
1 can crushed tomatoes
salt & pepper
shredded parm or mozzarella for the top of each pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Cook the rice according to package directions. Brown the hamburger, drain, and put back in pan. Add in rice, crushed tomatoes, salt & pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir together. Cut the tops off each of the peppers & tomatoes. Scoop out seeds and ribs. Fill hollowed veggies with meat/rice mixture, top with cheese. Fill deep baking dish (I use a 3 inch deep casserole) 3/4 full with water, place peppers in water (water should be about 3/4 inch below top of peppers). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until peppers are soft and cheese has melted on top.

The tomatoes take a little less time to cook, and can get by without the water bath, but it makes them nice and soft. If I'm feeling a little fancy, I'll use the fire-roasted canned tomatoes to add a 'rustic' taste.

Time for a spice rack!

I think it might be time for a spice rack... or just time to cook with more spices? We have an awful lot of little canisters!

Beef Stroganoff

This dinner came out of Lund's Buy One Get One sale - all sorts of good things were on sale, including egg noodles, hamburger, all kinds of good stuff. So... stroganoff!

I found this recipe on Simply Recipes.


I like my stroganoff to be very saucy, and as leftovers this one got a little dry. I recommend doubling the amount of sour cream/water - make it a little juicy, and then sop it up with some good crusty bread. Yum!