Stuffed Green Bell Peppers
Juicy stuffed green bell peppers filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, baked with tomato sauce for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blanch the bell peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, egg, salt, pepper, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper tops, evaporated milk, catsup, and barbecue sauce.
- Stuff each blanched pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a covered casserole dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the peppers.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or chili powder to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even quinoa as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat alternative. Make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly, as some substitutes can be more or less flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own but pair well with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve them alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the top before serving for added flavor. They make a great dish for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the peppers from getting soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Green Bell Peppers contains roughly 568 calories, with 13g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1585mg per serving (69% 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 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 ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the spices to ensure the filling is flavorful.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The stuffed peppers are done when the beef is cooked through, and the peppers are tender. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for ground beef.
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).