Spicy Taco Style Stuffed Peppers

So I may have mentioned about 15,000 times that my husband does not like anything with tomato sauce. Weird, huh? This has forced me to get creative with recipes that call for tomato-based sauces, such as chili, spaghetti, lasagne, and many other comfort foods I crave. Recently, I decided to put a new spin on a classic: Stuffed Peppers!

Rather than using marinara sauce, I decided to use salsa! Enchilada sauce or taco sauce would work well, too! These came out fantastic, and they're so darn easy, too! We all loved them! I've decided to post my recipe. If you decide to try this Mexi-fied spin on stuffed peppers, let me know what you thought!

Ingredients:

• 4 medium bell peppers, any color
• 1/4 uncooked instant rice
  
• 1/2 pound ground beef or lean ground turkey or chicken
  
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 8oz salsa, enchilada sauce, or taco sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or less if you don't like heat!
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (can sub Monterey Jack, Colby, etc)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  
• 1/4 cup chopped tomato (optional) 

Directions:

1. Cut the tops off of the peppers  and remove seeds. Cook in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the beans, olives, enchilada sauce, rice, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, salt, pepper, and chili powder; bring to a boil. Add water, as needed, if more liquid is necessary to cook the rice. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 5-10 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
   
2. Place peppers in an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish. Fill with meat mixture. Top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until peppers are tender. Can top with chopped tomatoes, sour cream, guac, etc.