Grandma Klose'S Stuffed Peppers
Grandma Klose's Stuffed Peppers features tender green peppers filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, simmered in savory tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground meat, rice, salt, and pepper together.
- Stuff the mixture into the green peppers.
- Shape the remaining mixture into meatballs.
- In a large kettle, combine tomato paste and two cans of water.
- Add salt, pepper, and optional sugar to the sauce.
- Stir in ketchup into the sauce.
- Place the stuffed peppers and meatballs into the sauce.
- Cover the kettle and cook slowly at a low temperature for about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating some chopped onions or garlic into the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a nutritious twist. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling. Make sure to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Klose's Stuffed Peppers with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. They pair well with a refreshing glass of iced tea or even Angie'S Rice Dressing for added texture and flavor. For a delightful finish, consider serving Mindy'S Strawberry Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or plastic wrap, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Klose'S Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 225 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2091mg per serving (91% 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 stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Assemble and refrigerate them without cooking. When you're ready to serve, simply cook them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are chilled.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just reduce the liquid slightly to maintain the sauce's consistency. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor, so adjust the seasoning as needed.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mix of cooked lentils, beans, or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices and vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
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).