Southwest Stuffed Peppers (Light) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups beef stock (or chicken)
1/2 cup brown rice
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup diced onion
1 cup canned corn, drained
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch salt and pepper
1/2 cup medium salsa
3/4 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese
1/3 cup low-fat sour cream
1/3 cup chopped cilantro or 1/3 cup parsley
4 medium bell peppers (any color)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0f. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
In small saucepan, bring the stock and rice to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess stock.
Lightly coat a large saucepan with cooking spray, add the oil and set over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute for 3 minutes. Add the corn and saute another 5 minutes or until the corn starts to brown. Add the ground beef and saute until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
Add the cooked rice, beans, chili powder, basil, cumin, salt, pepper and salsa and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add 1/2 cup of the cheese, along with the sour cream and cilantro or parsley.
Carefully remove and discard the top from each of the peppers. Remove the ribs and seeds and discard. Place the peppers on the baking sheet and fill them with the beef stuffing. Bake for 25 minutes.
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for another 2 minutes or just until the cheese melts.