Microwave Stuffed Peppers
A hearty microwave-stuffed peppers dish filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese, offering comforting flavors perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
- Mix raw beef with chopped onion, cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the mixture evenly into the prepared peppers.
- Arrange the peppers upright and snugly in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Blend condensed tomato soup and water until smooth, then pour over the peppers.
- Cover the dish and microwave at high for approximately 28 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the peppers.
- Re-cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or a plant-based substitute instead of ground chuck. You can also add additional vegetables like diced zucchini or corn to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be a great shortcut. Just ensure it's cooled before mixing with the meat to avoid cooking it further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers alongside a fresh salad, like a Strawberry Salad(Quick And Easy), for a balanced meal. Consider pairing them with crusty bread or Butter Biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce on top or serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 240 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (403% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1566mg per serving (68% 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 these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the point of microwaving them and store them in the refrigerator for a day. When you're ready to cook, simply microwave them as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have condensed tomato soup, you can substitute it with a homemade tomato sauce. Simply blend together canned tomatoes, a splash of vinegar, and some sugar for sweetness. Adjust the consistency with water until it resembles the thickness of soup, then pour it over the peppers.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well! Prepare them as directed, but do not microwave. Instead, wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave or bake as usual.
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).