Tuna-Stuffed Peppers

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Creamy tuna-stuffed peppers offer a savory filling with bread crumbs, vegetables, and herbs, baked to perfection—delightful for family dinners or gatherings with a flavorful, comforting touch.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 cups bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup margarine
  • 1 (7 oz.) can tuna
  • 1/4 cup chopped pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup corn
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon tarragon

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine in a heavy skillet.
  2. Add crumbled bread and toast, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add all ingredients except the whole peppers.
  4. Heat to blend flavors.
  5. Fill prepared peppers with the mixture.
  6. Place peppers in a baking dish containing an inch or more of water.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill instead of tarragon. If you want a healthier option, substitute whole grain bread crumbs for traditional ones. You can also use canned chicken as a protein alternative. Toasting the bread crumbs until golden enhances their flavor and gives the filling a nice texture. Check out more American recipes for additional inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tuna-stuffed peppers with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. They pair beautifully with a light vinaigrette. For a hearty option, consider serving alongside crusty bread or a side of rice. These stuffed peppers also make a great appetizer for gatherings or as a part of a seafood recipes spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tuna-stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be mindful not to overheat, which can dry them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna-Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 762 calories, with 20g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (292% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

762 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.2g 40% DV
Total Fat 52.4g 67% DV
Carbs 95.8g 35% DV
Fiber 81.7g 100% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 758.5mg 33% DV
Potassium 396.6mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 17.9mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 51.4mg 57% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 86.5mg 7% DV
Iron 4.6mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten Fish

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 fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna instead of canned, but make sure to flake it into small pieces. This will change the flavor profile slightly, making it fresher and more robust. Just ensure the tuna is fully cooked before adding it to the filling.

What can I use instead of margarine?

If you're looking for a substitution for margarine, butter works perfectly and adds a rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or coconut oil, which will also give a nice taste to the bread crumbs as they toast.

How can I make these peppers spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the filling. You can also serve the peppers with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for a personalized 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).

American recipes → Seafood recipes → All recipes →