Stuffed Peppers Lorena
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese, baked to perfection. A hearty, flavorful dish ideal for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and save them; remove the seeds.
- Rinse and drain the peppers.
- In a 10-inch skillet, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Dice the saved tops of the peppers.
- Add chopped onion, cooked rice, diced pepper, seasoned bread crumbs, Cajun seasoning, and butter or margarine to the skillet.
- Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Fill each pepper with the mixture.
- Place the filled peppers in a glass baking dish.
- Pour water into the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Microwave on Roast setting for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and carefully remove the plastic wrap.
- Cover each pepper with a quarter slice of cheese.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the stuffing mixture. If you're out of seasoned bread crumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Ensure the peppers are thoroughly cooked to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed peppers with a side of mixed greens or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Browse more American recipes for additional meal ideas.
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 loosely with a paper towel or lid. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Peppers Lorena contains roughly 421 calories, with 10g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of meat for the stuffing?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done cooking?
The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is heated through. You can check by inserting a knife or fork into the pepper; it should easily pierce the pepper. The cheese on top should also be melted and bubbly.
Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the point of microwaving them. Simply fill the peppers, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes for a quick meal on busy days!
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).