Stuffed Peppers

Basic Beef Starter

You can prepare this savory combination of ground beef, onions and garlic, then store it in the freezer.  This meaty mixture can save many hours in the kitchen.  It gives one a convenient head start on a wide variety of easy entrees.

5 pounds ground beef
4 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce
1 envelope brown gravy mix
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 teaspoon salt

In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions and garlic over medium heat until meat is no loger pink; drain.  Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cook for 10 minutes or until heated through. Cool.  Place about 2 3/4 cups each in four freezer containers. May be frozen for up to 3 months. Yield 4 portions (11-1/2 cups).

Beef Stuffed Peppers (Pictured Above)

Use a container of the Basic Beef Starter and your microwave oven to make this main dish.  Peppers are stuffed with the ground beef blend, tomato sauce, rice, and seasonings.

1 portion Basic Beef Starter, thawed
1 1/4 cups cooked rice
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 medium green peppers
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a bowl, combine the beef starter, rice, tomato sauce, basil, and pepper. Cut tops off green peppers and remove seeds.  Spoon 1 cup of beef mixture into each pepper. Place in a 10 inch round microwave-safe dish.  Cover loosely; cook on high for 10-12 minutes or until peppers are tender, rotating a half turn once. Let stand, covered, for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Yield: 4 servings.