stuffed peppers

this recipe is very versatile. the recipe i use is "mexican" but i have included the "italian" style ingredients in parens.

1 c. rice (or orzo pasta)
1 shallot minced
1/2 red onion chopped
3-4 garlic cloves
1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
2 c. salsa (or marinara sauce)
1 TBS taco seasoning (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
4 large sweet peppers (green, red or yellow)
1/4 c. grated monteray jack cheese (or parmesan cheese)
1/4 c. seasoned bread crumbs

cook rice according to box directions. meanwhile, saute shallot, onion and garlic over medium heat. add meat and cook through. cut stem and flesh out of peppers and arrange on a baking sheet. add ice to meat along with seasoning and salsa. fill peppers with filling. top each pepper with a spoonful of salsa and sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs. bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes.