Skillet Stuffed Peppers

Shepherd's pie meets the classic stuffed pepper. This recipe can also be made with red, yellow or orange bell peppers.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 large green bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 3/4 pound ground round
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated mashed potatoes (such as Simply Potatoes)
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the bell pepper halves, cut sides down, on a microwave-safe dish; cover with plastic wrap. Microwave at HIGH for 3 1/2 minutes, or until the pepper halves are crisp-tender. Let stand, covered, 3 minutes (peppers will soften).
2. While the peppers cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the pan with cooking spray.
3. Add the beef to the pan; cook 3 minutes, stirring to crumble.
4. Add the water and seasoning, and stir to combine.
5. Cover, reduce the heat and cook 5 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in the microwave according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat.
7. Spoon 1/2 cup of the beef mixture into each pepper half; top each with 2/3 cup potatoes.
8. Sprinkle each pepper half with 1 tablespoon cheese.
9. Garnish with black pepper, if desired.

Nutrition

Per serving: 339 calories (35% from fat),13 grams fat (5 grams sat. fat), 31 grams carbohydrate, 23 grams protein, 1,287 mg sodium, 73 mg cholesterol, 62 mg calcium, 3 grams fiber