Recipe for cooking baked stuffed papayas

Recipes from the Caribbean :: Caribbean Fruit and Vegetable Side Dishes

1 lb. ground beef
1 med. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (16 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 (12 ounce) papayas
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Cook and stir beef, onion and garlic in 10-in. skillet over med. heat until beef is light brown; drain. Stir in tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, salt and pepper; break up tomatoes with fork. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered or without a lid until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 10 mins.

Cut papayas lengthwise into halves; remove seeds. Place about 1/3 c. beef mixture in each papaya half; sprinkle and distribute with cheese. Arrange in shallow roasting pan. Pour very hot water into pan to within 1 in. of tops of papaya halves. Bake uncovered or without a lid at 350 degrees fahrenheit until papayas are very tender and hot, about 1/2 an hour.