Stuffed Bell Peppers

3 green bell peppers
1-1 1/2 lbs of ground beef or Italian sausage(or combination of the two)
1/4 cup of chopped onion
1/4 cup of chopped celery
8 oz tomato sauce
S&P to taste
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta(optional)

Pre heat the oven to 350.
Cut the tops off the peppers and clean out the insides.
Get a big pot of salted water boiling and add salt and 1ts of baking soda per gallon of water.(the salt is for taste and the baking soda is to keep the peppers green)
Cook the peppers about 5 mins and remove nd let cool.
In the meantime begin to saute the onions and celery with a little olive oil.
Then add the ground beef and/or the sausage.
Drain the fat and return to the saute pan.
Add the tomato sauce and pasta/rice.
Check for seasoning.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Stuff your peppers and place in an oven proof dish.Bake for about 25 mins and serve.