Dinner In A Pepper
Dinner In A Pepper offers a hearty and flavorful stuffed pepper dish, combining seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and fresh tomatoes topped with buttery bread crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it features vibrant peppers filled with savory goodness and a crispy topping. Suitable for all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut tops off green peppers; discard seeds and membranes.
- Chop enough of the tops to make 1/4 cup.
- Boil whole peppers for 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Sprinkle inside lightly with salt.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef, chopped onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped green pepper.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Drain off excess liquid.
- Add both cans of corn, salt, basil, and pepper to the skillet.
- Mix well to combine.
- Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture.
- Toss bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some grated cheese on top before baking or mix in some cooked rice for added texture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute for the beef. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so feel free to replace dried basil with fresh if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers alongside a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. They can also pair beautifully with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables. For a hearty option, consider serving them with a rich Beef Stew, which complements the flavors of the peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Covering with foil can help keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dinner In A Pepper contains roughly 435 calories, with 15g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (295% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% 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 freeze the stuffed peppers before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Just prepare them up to the point of baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils or quinoa can work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your protein choice to ensure it's fully cooked.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is heated through, usually after about 35 to 40 minutes in the oven. You can check by inserting a fork into the pepper; it should easily pierce the flesh.
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).