Baked Peppers
Baked peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and bread, baked to perfection. A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry ground meat until brown.
- Drain off fat.
- Cook onion, celery, and green peppers in water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Soak French bread or white bread in milk or water to soften.
- Beat eggs well and add all ingredients together.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cut peppers in half.
- Add filling to each pepper half.
- Add a small amount of water to a large baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until firm and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier filling, consider adding cooked rice or quinoa as a base. If you’re out of bell peppers, zucchini or hollowed tomatoes can serve as great substitutes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different types of meat or even use a vegetarian option like lentils. The flavors can be enhanced with your favorite herbs or spices.
Serving Suggestions
Baked peppers make for a satisfying main dish and pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. Drizzle with barbecue sauce for an added flavor kick, or serve alongside crusty bread for a heartier option. They also make great leftovers for lunch, reheating well in the microwave or oven.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Peppers contains roughly 459 calories, with 13g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% 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 use other types of meat for the filling?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of different meats work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or lentils as a protein source, which will add both flavor and texture to your baked peppers.
How can I make these baked peppers spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. You can also use spicy sausage instead of ground meat or serve the baked peppers with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the peppers. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, making the baked peppers even more delicious when cooked.
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).