Healthier Stuffed Peppers

One of my favorite winter time meal is a stuffed pepper.   I normally make a stuffed pepper casserole, but I love it this way too.  These are around 370 calories for each serving.  This recipe has far less calories than my stuffed pepper casserole does.

HEALTHIER STUFFED PEPPERS
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*6 red, orange or green bell peppers
*salt to taste
*1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken
*1 onion, chopped
*3 garlic cloves, chopped
*1 quart stewed tomatoes
*1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
*1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
*1 tablespoon italian seasoning
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*1 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
*1/2 cup water
*1/2 cup brown rice
*1 cup water
*1 1/4 cups reduced fat cheddar cheese

Directions:
~In a medium sauce pan, bring rice & 1 cup water to a boil.
~Once it boils, reduce heat to low, cover & let simmer for 40 minutes.
~Bring a large pot of salt water to a boil.
~Cut the tops off the peppers, and remove the seeds.
~Cook the peppers, in the boiling water for 5-6 minutes.
~Remove from water drain.
~Sprinkle salt inside each pepper, and set aside.
~In a large heavy skillet, sauté meat, onions & garlic, until the meat is done.
~Drain off any excess grease.
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Stir in stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper.
~Simmer for 10 minutes.
~Mix cooked rice and 1/2 cup cheese to meat mixture and simmer for 5 more minutes.
~Place peppers cup side up in a baking dish.
~Stuff each pepper with the meat & rice mixture.
~Sprinkle remaining cheese over top of each pepper.
~Bake for 25-30 minutes.