Italian Meatballs in a Bread Basket

2 lb Ground Beef Chuck
2 T Margarine
1 Med. Green Pepper, Chopped
1 Med. Onion, Chopped
16 oz can Stewed Tomatoes
1/2 t Basil
1/4 t Thyme
2 T Unbleached Flour
1 Ital. Bread Basket
Green peppr rings and Cherry Tomatoes for garnish

Lightly shape ground beef into 1 1/2-inch balls. Lightly brown balls
in margarine in large frying-pan, about 5 minutes. Add the green
pepper and onion to meatballs; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain tomatoes, reserving liquid. Add tomatoes, all but 1/4 c tomato
liquid, basil and thyme to meat balls. Cover tightly and cook slowly
5 minutes. Combine reserved tomato liquid with flour, stirring until
smooth. Stir into meatballs, cover tightly and cook 5 minutes or
until slightly thick. Meanwhile prepare Italian Bread Basket and place
on platter. Spoon meatball mixture into and around bread. Garnish
with green pepper rings and cherry tomatoes, if desired.

Italian Bread Basket

1 Loaf Italian Bread, Unsliced
1/4 Cup Margarine, Melted
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated

Cut a 3/4 slice from top of bread. With fork, scoop out inside of
bread to form basket, leaving 1-inch bread on all sides and bottom of
loaf. Place loaf on foil in shallow baking pan. Brush top, sides and
inside of bread with melted margarine. Sprinkle loaf with Parmesan
cheese, coating sides evenly. Bake in hot oven (400 Degrees F.) for
10 minutes.

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