CLASSIC STUFFED BELL PEPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut thin slice from stem end of each pepper. Remove seeds and membranes; rinse. Place peppers, with tops, upright in ungreased 9x12 inch glass baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave until hot, 3 to 4 minutes--(note: do NOT cook peppers until done, you are just blanching them, 3 to 4 minutes should be plenty, depending on the size of your peppers). Proceed to finish cooking in microwave OR in oven (see following instructions).
• OVEN METHOD: Cook and stir hamburger and onion until hamburger is light brown; drain if necessary. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, cooked rice, corn (if using), and 1 cup of the tomato sauce; heat through.
• Stuff each pepper with hamburger mixture; stand upright in ungreased baking dish, 9x12 inches. Pour remaining sauce over peppers. Replace tops (stem ends) on peppers. Cover with foil; cook in 350 degree F oven 45 minutes. Uncover; cook 15 minutes longer. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• -OR-.
• MICROWAVE METHOD: (This is a good technique in warm weather, when you don't want to heat up your kitchen!): Mix cooked rice, uncooked hamburger, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, corn, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce. Stuff each pepper with about 1/2 cup of the hamburger mixture. Pour remaining sauce over peppers. Replace tops on peppers. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave 7 minutes on HIGH. Turn plate; microwave until mixture is done, 7 to 8 minutes longer. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Serve with grated Parmesan cheese at the table. Makes 6 servings.

Steps:

• Poke 2 small holes in the bottom of each pepper with a thin knife or toothpick. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except marinara sauce.
• Mound rice mixture into peppers. Do not pack tightly. Mixture should be slightly higher than top of pepper.
• Pour one cup of water in the Instant Pot and insert the steam rack.
• Place peppers onto rack and divide marinara sauce in the top center of each pepper.
• Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
• Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 9 minutes.
• When the time is up, quick-release the pressure. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature is at least 160°F degrees.
• (Optional) Place peppers under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to crisp the tops.
• Carefully remove the peppers, garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm.