Pepper Stuffing
A hearty stuffed pepper dish featuring seasoned hamburger, onions, and macaroni, topped with cheese. Perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook hamburger meat and chopped onions until browned; drain water and grease.
- Mix cooked hamburger and onions with mushroom soup and cooked macaroni.
- Cut off the tops of green peppers and remove seeds.
- Boil peppers for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the boiled peppers with the meat mixture.
- Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat. You can also mix in some spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to enhance the taste. If you don't have mushroom soup, cream of chicken or vegetable soup can be a suitable substitute. To save time, use pre-cooked macaroni from leftovers or store-bought options. This dish pairs well with a side salad for balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing on the salad complements the richness of the stuffing. You could also serve them alongside some roasted vegetables for added nutrition. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, as it can be made in advance and reheated later.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you want to freeze them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they can last up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Stuffing contains roughly 378 calories, with 9g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1231mg per serving (54% 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 other types of meat for the stuffing?
Yes, you can substitute the hamburger meat with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose to ensure it is fully cooked.
What can I do if I don't have green peppers?
If green peppers aren't available, you can use other bell pepper colors like red, yellow, or orange for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you could stuff zucchini or hollowed-out tomatoes for a different twist on this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture before stuffing the peppers. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
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).