Stuffed Green Peppers(And Stuffed Zucchini And Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
A hearty, flavorful dish featuring stuffed peppers, zucchini, or cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat, rice, and cheese—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 large green peppers ⓘ
- 4 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 8 medium to large cabbage leaves ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. sausage or ground beef ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 7-1/2 oz. can tomatoes, undrained and cut up ⓘ
- 1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Halve the peppers lengthwise, removing stem ends, seeds, and membranes.
- Immerse the peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes, then sprinkle insides with salt and invert on paper towels to drain.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage or ground beef with the chopped onion until browned and tender.
- Drain the fat from the meat mixture.
- Stir in the undrained tomatoes, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, water, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded American cheese.
- Fill the peppers with the meat mixture and place them in an 8x8 inch baking dish with any remaining meat mixture.
- Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and let stand for a couple of minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider using turkey sausage or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also substitute the long grain rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Be sure to pre-cook the rice if you're using a quick-cooking variety to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed green peppers pair beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside garlic bread or over a bed of cooked quinoa for added texture. If you have extra filling, consider using it in a wrap or as a topping for baked potatoes. For a comforting finish, enjoy with a slice of Low-Fat Jello Cheese Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Green Peppers(And Stuffed Zucchini And Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) contains roughly 428 calories, with 19g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (235% of the Daily Value), iron (165% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1984mg per serving (86% 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 in advance. Assemble them without baking and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to accommodate different dietary preferences. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or black beans mixed with your favorite vegetables and spices.
How can I adjust the spice level of the filling?
To increase the spice level, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy sausage. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer 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).