Stuffed Green Pepper Cups

from taste of home's Quick Cooking

1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce, divided
1/4 cup water
3 T. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 cup uncooked instant rice
4 medium green peppers

Crumble beef into a 1-1/2 quart microwave-safe bowl; add the onion. Cover and microwave on high for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes or until meat is browned; drain. Stir in 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, water, 1 T. of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cover and microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes. Stir in rice; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove tops and seeds from the peppers; cut in half lengthwise. Stuff with meat mixture; place in an ungreased microwave-safe shallow 3-quart or 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Spoon remaining tomato sauce over peppers; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and microwave on high for 10 - 12 minutes or until peppers are tender. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 4.