Italian Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Directions

1. Cut the tops off, remove inside ribs, and cut a small slice from the bottom of each bell pepper (to keep pepper upright).
2. Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
3. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking-pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
4. In a large skillet place the ground beef and onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink and the onion has softened (10 to 12 minutes).
5. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, add the meat mixture, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, orzo, basil, salt, oregano, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Place about 1 cup filling in each pepper. Place each pepper in the prepared pan. (The small slice cut off the bottom of the peppers will help keep the peppers upright while baking).
7. Cover the peppers and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the filling is heated through, the cheese is melted, and the peppers are softened.
8. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the bread crumbs and cook stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the bread crumbs become light brown. Remove from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
9. Remove the peppers from the oven and uncover the pan. Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of the bread crumb mixture on top of each pepper. Continue baking, uncovered, for 5 to 6 minutes or until Parmesan cheese melts and crumbs are golden brown.