Stuffed Green Pepppers

Stuffed Green Peppers:

Ingredients
6 medium tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, diced
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
4 medium green peppers
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup instant rice, cooked
1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions
1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine tomatoes, onion, celery, tomato sauce, water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut tops off of green peppers and remove seeds; set aside. In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, basil and remaining salt and pepper; mix well. Fill peppers with beef mixture. Carefully place peppers in tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over tops of peppers. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until beef is cooked and peppers are tender.