Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy stuffed peppers offer a savory blend of sausage, rice, and stewed tomatoes, topped with melted cheese—perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the bell peppers and steam them in the microwave.
- Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the sausage to the onions and brown, then drain excess fat.
- Mix in the Cheez Whiz, stewed tomatoes, and cooked rice.
- Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in a Pyrex container.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some spices like cumin or chili powder to the sausage mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the cooked rice with pre-packaged microwaveable rice. Cheez Whiz can be swapped for shredded cheese of your choice for a different texture. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or beans instead.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy stuffed peppers make a hearty main dish, perfect alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You could even serve them with a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal. For a fun twist, pair them with a slice of Hershey Almond Bar Pie for dessert to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover them with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 368 calories, with 11g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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 different types of peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bell peppers are traditional, you can also use poblano or even jalapeño peppers for a spicier kick. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size and type of pepper used.
Is it possible to prepare these stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day ahead. Once assembled, cover and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the stuffed peppers for later use?
Definitely! After cooking, let them cool completely, then wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
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).