Instructions: Preheat oven to 350. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds, or cut in half lengthwise. Set aside in casserole dish (line with aluminum foil if you like).

Over medium heat saute onions in butter. Add ground beef (or sausage) until browned, drain. Add tomatoes, water, salt ,sugar, bay leaf, and thyme. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in rice, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Spoon mixture into peppers. Bake for 25 -30 minutes. They can then be packaged to freeze. When you reheat them in the oven, add sliced or shredded cheese.

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