Stuffed Pepper Cups(A Perky Main-Dish Idea For Leftover Ham)
Enjoy these flavorful stuffed pepper cups filled with ham, rice, and vegetables, baked to perfection—an easy, hearty main dish perfect for using leftover ham and appealing to the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the tops off the green peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
- Chop the tops to make 1/3 cup and set aside.
- Cook the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Combine rice, condensed beef broth, water, and salt in a pot.
- Bring to a boil and stir, then cover and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes.
- Sauté chopped onion, 1/3 cup chopped green pepper, and celery in butter until tender, but not browned.
- Stir in diced, cooked ham.
- Add the ham mixture to the cooked rice and toss lightly to mix.
- Spoon the rice mixture into the prepared pepper cups.
- Combine bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the tops of the peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the long grain rice with quinoa or brown rice for a healthier option. You can also use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter taste. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rice to speed up the cooking process. Don't forget to season your ham mixture with black pepper or garlic powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed pepper cups with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. They pair beautifully with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial dinner, consider offering garlic bread or a light soup, like Thick Tomato-Vegetable-Beef Soup, to complement the flavors.
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 them with a damp paper towel. Heat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Pepper Cups(A Perky Main-Dish Idea For Leftover Ham) contains roughly 583 calories, with 12g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (273% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1764mg per serving (77% 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 different types of peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green peppers are traditional, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. Each variety will add a unique taste and color to your dish, making it visually appealing as well.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed pepper cups a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover the peppers, and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What should I do if I don't have any ham?
If you don't have ham, you can substitute it with cooked chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like cooked lentils or black beans. This dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand.
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).