Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy beef-stuffed peppers offer a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted American cheese, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the green pepper halves in a 2-quart (12 x 7-inch) glass baking dish and set aside.
- Combine ground beef, creamed cottage cheese, tomato sauce, chopped onion, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a medium bowl; mix well.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the green pepper halves.
- Cover the dish with wax paper.
- Microwave on Roast setting for 24 to 26 minutes, or until the meat is well done (about 140°F).
- Remove the wax paper and top the peppers with shredded process American cheese.
- Continue cooking on Roast until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced garlic or bell pepper to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For a creamy texture, try using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if using different meat; ground turkey may cook faster. These stuffed peppers are a great way to enjoy American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy beef-stuffed peppers make a hearty main dish and pair well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add extra flavor. These peppers are a fantastic choice for a family dinner, as everyone can customize their filling.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesy beef-stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the cheese and beef.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 452 calories, with 13g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1698mg per serving (74% 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 prepare these stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day ahead. Assemble them and store them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they go into the microwave cold.
What can I substitute for the American cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the American cheese with shredded cheddar or mozzarella. Both will melt beautifully and add a deliciously different taste to your stuffed peppers.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check, especially since cooking times may vary based on the microwave's wattage. Once cooked, the meat should be brown with no pink remaining.
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).