Spanish Stuffed Peppers
Juicy green peppers stuffed with savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheeses create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut green peppers in half lengthwise.
- Steam peppers with 1-inch water in a pan for 5 minutes.
- Cool peppers quickly.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice and ketchup into the beef mixture.
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the green pepper halves.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa. You can also use any type of cheese that melts well, like cheddar or pepper jack. If you want more flavor, add spices such as cumin or paprika to the beef mixture. To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or microwave the peppers instead of steaming them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Gram'S Spanish Style Swiss Steak if you're looking for additional beef recipes. You can also top them with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 21 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, and they will still taste delicious when baked.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef in this recipe. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, you can use black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute to create a hearty filling without the meat.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F to ensure the filling is heated thoroughly.
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).