Moroccan-Style Stuffed Peppers

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• 1 8- to 10-ounce bag microwavable brown rice or 1 2/3 cups cooked brown rice
• 4 medium-to-large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
• 1 pound lean (90% or leaner) ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup currants
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable juice, such as V8, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Details

Adapted from eatingwell.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat rice according to package directions. (If using cooked rice, skip to Step 2.)
Place peppers upside-down in a microwave-safe round casserole dish just large enough to fit them. Add 1/2 inch water to the dish and cover with a lid or inverted dinner plate. Microwave on High until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, 3 to 6 minutes. Drain the water and turn the peppers right-side up.
Meanwhile, cook beef and garlic in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in currants, cumin and cinnamon; cook for 1 minute. Stir in the rice and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup vegetable juice, cup mint, orange zest, salt and pepper.
Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers. Pour the remaining 2 cups vegetable juice into the dish and cover. Microwave on High until the juice and filling are hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve the peppers with the sauce; garnish with mint, if desired.