No-Bake Stuffed Peppers
No-Bake Stuffed Peppers feature tender green peppers filled with savory ground beef and rice, topped with melted cheese, offering a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut peppers in half lengthwise.
- Remove stems, ends, and seeds from the peppers.
- Parboil peppers in boiling salted water for 10 minutes; drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, sugar, and basil; set aside.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce mixture, 1/4 cup of cooked rice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes; stir in grated Cheddar cheese.
- Spoon meat mixture into the peppers and place them in the skillet.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce mixture around the peppers.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring water, 1 teaspoon salt, and butter to a boil.
- Stir in remaining rice, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve the stuffed peppers over the rice, topped with additional sauce and cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor. Make sure to parboil the peppers to soften them before stuffing. You can also use leftover rice from dishes like Vi'S Meat Loaf for a quick meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers over a bed of the remaining rice for a filling meal. Consider pairing with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. These stuffed peppers also go well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional cheese on top. They're perfect for meal prep and can be a hearty addition to your weekly lineup of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help keep them moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No-Bake Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 2153 calories, with 53g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (359% of the Daily Value), protein (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2904mg per serving (126% 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 stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through. If freezing after cooking, let them cool completely before storing.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a mix of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. You can also use a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer, just adjust the seasoning to taste. This flexibility allows you to create a sauce that suits your flavor preferences.
How can I make these stuffed peppers spicier?
To add heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the stuffed peppers before cooking. Adjust the spice level according to your preference for a delightful kick in this dish.
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).