Allegro'S Stuffed Green Peppers
Allegro's Stuffed Green Peppers feature tender peppers filled with a savory bulgur and ground beef mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese—perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hot water, bulgur, chopped onion, salt, and garlic powder in a 2-quart casserole.
- Cover tightly and microwave on High for 6 to 8 minutes or until boiling; stir.
- Cover and let stand until water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Cut a thin slice from the stem end of each green bell pepper.
- Remove seeds and membranes; rinse the peppers.
- Arrange peppers, cut ends up, in a circle in a 9-inch or 10-inch pie plate.
- Crumble ground beef into the bulgur mixture and stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce.
- Fill each pepper with about 1/2 cup of the beef and bulgur mixture.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce over the peppers.
- Cover tightly and microwave on High for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pie plate 1/2 turn after 7 minutes, until beef mixture reaches 160°F.
- Sprinkle the peppers with shredded Cheddar cheese and let stand uncovered for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the bulgur mixture. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. If bulgur isn't available, quinoa or rice can be good alternatives. Ensure the peppers are firm and fresh for the best texture, and feel free to experiment with different cheese types, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or quinoa. This dish is a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prep, as it can easily be made in bulk and offers great leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave them on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Allegro'S Stuffed Green Peppers contains roughly 552 calories, with 30g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just assemble them without cooking and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, microwave or bake until heated through. This makes them a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just ensure that the substitute is cooked to the appropriate temperature before stuffing the peppers.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
The peppers are done when the beef mixture reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the peppers should be tender but still hold their shape.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).