Unstuffed Pepper Bake

I don't much care for stuffed peppers, but this is yummy.  I doubled the recipe when I made it and froze the other half.

1 lb ground beef (I used 1/2 beef & 1/2 ground turkey)
1/3 cup onion (I used 1-1/2 medium onions)
1-1/2 cups bell peppers, ( I used red, orange & yellow)
2 garlic cloves minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
1-1/2 cups instant rice ( I used brown rice)
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp italian seasoning
8 oz shredded sharp cheese
15 oz can tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 375*

In a large sauce pan over medium high heat, saute onions, peppers and garlic.  Add ground beef, cook until browned and vegetables are tender.  Drain off any excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the tomatoes, rice, worcestershire sauce and italian seasoning.  Remove from heat, and stir in 1 cup cheese. 

Spread mixture evenly into a 13x9 baking dish and top with tomato sauce and remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes on center oven rack, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Kroger.