When it comes to family dinners, stuffed bell peppers bring both comfort and flavor to the table. This recipe is a perfect way to use leftover spaghetti sauce, transforming it into a hearty filling for peppers that’s ideal for a weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce are packed with flavor and make a nutritious, well-rounded meal. They’re a fun and tasty way to use up spaghetti sauce while creating something new. With rice, ground meat, and a bit of cheese, each bite is deliciously satisfying!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (tops and seeds removed; colorful and sweet)
- 1 cup leftover spaghetti sauce (provides rich flavor and seasoning)
- 1 cup cooked rice (absorbs the sauce and adds texture)
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked (for protein; swap with beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for a gooey, melty topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste (adjust to preference)
Tools & Equipment
- Large baking dish: To hold and bake the stuffed peppers.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board: For preparing the peppers.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover spaghetti sauce, cooked rice, cooked ground meat, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Stuff the Bell Peppers
Place the hollowed-out bell peppers in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper, pressing down gently to fit as much filling as possible.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over each stuffed pepper, creating a cheesy topping that will melt beautifully as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving. These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side salad or crusty bread.
Why This Recipe Works
Using leftover spaghetti sauce as the base for the filling brings a burst of rich, tomato flavor to the stuffed peppers without needing to create a sauce from scratch. The combination of rice, protein, and cheese makes this a well-rounded meal that’s comforting and satisfying.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual peppers for 2–3 minutes, checking halfway.
General Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat with black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Veggies: You can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped jalapeño to the filling for a bit of heat.
Try pairing this dish with our Leftover Spaghetti Sauce ideas to make the most of every bite!
Lovely recap
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce are an easy, flavorful way to repurpose leftover sauce. They make a complete meal with rice, meat, and vegetables, and the melted cheese topping is always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
FAQs Recipes
1. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the ground meat with beans like black beans or chickpeas, or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
3. What’s the best way to reheat stuffed peppers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes until heated through.