Baked Stuffed Papayas

Stuffed papayas are excellent. I had these at the San Diego Fair and had to get the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 (16-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
* 1 jalapeno chile, finely chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 4 papayas (about 12 ounces each)
* 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

PREPARATION:
Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and garlic in 10-inch skillet over medium heat until beef is light brown. Drain; stir in tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, salt, and pepper. Break up tomatoes with fork. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes.

Cut papayas lengthwise into halves and remove seeds. Place about 1/3 cup beef mixture in each papaya half. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Arrange in shallow roasting pan. Pour very hot water into pan to within 1 inch of tops of papaya halves. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees until papayas are very tender and hot, about 30 minutes.