How to Make the Perfect Microwave Stuffed Bell Pepper
American · Easy · 9 min · 2 servings
These microwave stuffed bell peppers use pre-cooked rice and seasoned ground beef to create a classic comfort food dinner in under 10 minutes. The microwave steams the pepper tender while heating the savory filling all the way through for a complete meal.
Why this recipe works
This Microwave Stuffed Bell Pepper recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 9 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 350 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
- 0.5 cup pre-cooked ground beef
- 0.5 cup pre-cooked white rice
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the pre-cooked ground beef, pre-cooked rice, and half the marinara sauce. Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly coated with sauce.
Step 2: Fill the Peppers
Stand the prepared bell peppers upright in a microwave-safe dish. Spoon the beef and rice filling evenly into each pepper, pressing it down gently to fill to the top.
Step 3: Microwave Until Tender
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top of each stuffed pepper. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes until the pepper walls are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt
Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella and microwave uncovered for an additional 30 seconds until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → canned black beans for a vegetarian protein-packed filling
- white rice → cooked quinoa for added protein and a nutty flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not covering the dish during cooking, which causes the pepper to cook unevenly and stay too firm
- Overfilling the peppers so the topping overflows and makes a mess in the microwave
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 350 calories, 24g protein, 30g carbs, 13g fat, 4g fiber.
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