Spicy Stuffed Peppers
Spicy stuffed peppers offer a flavorful combination of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices, perfect for a hearty, colorful main course or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 medium green, red or yellow sweet peppers ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. lean ground pork or beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- few dashes of bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut tops from peppers; discard seeds and membranes.
- Chop enough of the tops to make 1/2 cup; set aside.
- Place peppers, cut side up, in an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Add water and cover with vented clear plastic wrap.
- Cook on high power for 3 to 5 minutes or until peppers are barely tender, giving dish a half-turn once.
- Drain and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the pork or beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or black beans. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder or hot pepper sauce. Adding spices like cumin or oregano can also elevate the dish. Make sure to chop the pepper tops finely for better integration into the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy stuffed peppers can be served as a stand-alone meal or paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Consider serving them alongside a cool Guacamole Tomato Salad for a refreshing contrast. They also make a great side dish for Mexican recipes like Texas Tacos or can be enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream or avocado on top for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 587 calories, with 28g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2381mg per serving (104% 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 the stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If already baked, store in an airtight container and reheat directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for rice, consider using quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous. Each of these alternatives will provide a different texture and flavor, but will work well to bind the filling together. Quinoa is a great option for a protein boost, while cauliflower rice keeps the dish lower in carbs.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers in the filling. Drizzling extra hot pepper sauce on top before serving will also enhance the spiciness. For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
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).