Microwave Stuffed Green Peppers
A quick and flavorful microwave-stuffed green peppers dish featuring savory ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the green peppers in half, removing the core and seeds.
- Place the pepper halves in a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, quick-cooking rice, salt, pepper, egg, water, and half of the tomato sauce.
- Spoon the mixture into the pepper halves.
- Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave for 12 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding diced onions or garlic to the beef mixture. If you'd like a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat alternative. To save time, you can use leftover cooked rice instead of quick cooking rice. Adjust the spice levels by adding some chili powder or cumin for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. They pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a bowl of Beef Soup (Makes About 13 Quarts) for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Stuffed Green Peppers contains roughly 513 calories, with 14g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2641mg per serving (115% 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 for the stuffing?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option can be used in place of ground beef. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook faster.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
The peppers should be tender, and the meat mixture inside should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If unsure, you can cut one open to check for doneness.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers for later use?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze very well! Assemble them, but don’t cook. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and microwave or bake as needed.
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).