Step 1

Combine tomatoes, onion, celery, water, tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until onion is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2

Combine remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, brown rice, and basil in a bowl. Fill green bell peppers with rice mixture. Carefully place peppers in the tomato sauce mixture, spooning some sauce over tops of peppers.

Step 3

Cover saucepan and simmer until peppers are tender, 40 to 45 minutes.