Ham-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ham-stuffed bell peppers are a savory and comforting dish featuring tender green peppers filled with a flavorful ham and vegetable mixture, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup ground fully cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups coarsely crushed saltine crackers (27 crackers) ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper ⓘ
- 4 green peppers, halved crosswise and seeded ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic; cook until tender.
- Add the ground ham, undrained chopped tomatoes, and tomato juice.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until liquid is slightly reduced.
- Stir in 1 cup of crushed saltine crackers, the beaten egg, sugar, hot pepper sauce, and ground red pepper.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the green pepper halves in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes; invert to drain.
- Fill each pepper half with the ham-vegetable mixture.
- Arrange the filled peppers in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the ground ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different twist. You can also enhance the dish by adding some shredded cheese on top before baking. If you prefer a spicier kick, try using jalapeño peppers instead of green bell peppers. Make sure to taste the filling before stuffing to adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Suggestions
These ham-stuffed bell peppers are perfect as a main dish and pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside some Corny Broccoli Bread for a comforting dinner. They can also be topped with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Stuffed Bell Peppers contains roughly 1307 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% 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 a different type of meat in the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the meat is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a spicier hot pepper sauce in the filling. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).