Stuffed Beefy Bell Peppers

6 large green peppers 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef 1/4 c. finely chopped onion 1/2 c. finely chopped celery 1/2 c. finely chopped green pepper 1/2 t. salt 2 c. cooked rice SAUCE: 1 T. dried basil 1/4 c. sugar 1 can tomato paste

Cut tops from peppers. Remove seeds. Cover peppers with boiling water. Cook 10 minutes. Drain. Brown ground beef, onion, celery and green peper in skillet. Add salt and rice. Spoon mixture into green peppers. Place in baking dish and pour sauce over peppers. Cover. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer.