Stuffed Pepper
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with seasoned ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce, offering hearty flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 green peppers ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can whole tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck or ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash peppers thoroughly.
- Cut off the tops of the peppers and clean out the seeds and membranes.
- Chop the tops of the peppers for the filling.
- Place the prepared peppers in 2 quarts of salt water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
- Simmer the peppers for 5 minutes.
- Drain the peppers and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding some grated cheese to the filling or using quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can save you a step. For added flavor, sauté the onion and celery in the margarine before mixing them into the filling. You can also try using different types of peppers for varied sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any sauce. They also pair beautifully with Au Gratin Vegetables for a hearty meal. Consider drizzling some extra tomato sauce on top before serving for added moisture and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance the presentation and taste.
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, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Pepper contains roughly 421 calories, with 13g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (254% of the Daily Value), iron (218% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (165% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% 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 stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well! Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for ground chuck?
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or even use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. If you're looking for a heartier filling, consider adding black beans or lentils to the mix to enhance protein and fiber content.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is cooked through. You can check by inserting a fork into the pepper; it should pierce easily. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake them for a shorter time, just until heated through.
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).