Odessa'S Stuffed Bell Pepper
A hearty stuffed bell pepper dish with savory ground beef, rice, and mushroom soup, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash, core, and parboil the large peppers.
- Mix together the raw hamburger, can of mushroom soup, water, rice, and dry onion soup mix.
- Fill the prepared peppers with the mixture.
- Place the filled peppers in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours.
- To freeze, wrap the cooked peppers and store in the freezer; reheat to serve.
- The mixture can also be used as a casserole by leaving off 7 peppers, chopping one, and adding it to the mixture.
- Bake the casserole at 325°F for 2 hours or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the filling mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or substitute with quinoa for a healthier twist. For a vegetarian version, swap the hamburger for lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable soup instead of mushroom soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Odessa's Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top enhances the flavors beautifully. These stuffed peppers also pair well with a side of Denise's Baked Beans for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for quick serving. If you freeze the cooked peppers, wrap them tightly and they can last up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Odessa'S Stuffed Bell Pepper contains roughly 183 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 849mg per serving (37% 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 the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the peppers. Just allow it to come to room temperature before using for the best results.
Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While large bell peppers are traditional, you can use poblano, Anaheim, or even zucchini for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the size and type of pepper you choose.
What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. You could also mix in some shredded cheese or spices to enhance the taste even further.
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).