Attention, busy home cooks! Are you tired of complicated recipes that take forever and leave you with a sink full of dirty dishes? Fear not, my friends, because I have the perfect solution – the savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal! This easy-peasy, microwave-friendly recipe is your ticket to a delicious, stress-free dinner in just a few minutes. Get ready to ditch the fuss and embrace the flavor explosion.
Why You’ll Love This savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal
This savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal is a true lifesaver for the busy, modern home cook. Not only is it incredibly quick and easy to make, but it’s also endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a grab-and-go option, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
To make this savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal, you’ll need just a handful of simple, real-food ingredients. Grab a bell pepper, some ground meat (or your protein of choice), a bit of rice or quinoa, and a few aromatic veggies like onion and garlic. Add in some spices and seasonings, and you’re good to go!
- 1 medium bell pepper – halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or turkey
- 1/4 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu (for a vegetarian option)
- Rice or Quinoa: Swap in couscous or cauliflower rice to suit your dietary needs
How to Make savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal
Get ready for a quick and easy cooking process that’ll have you enjoying a delicious, balanced meal in no time flat.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by gathering all your ingredients and cutting the bell pepper in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. In a microwave-safe mug or ramekin, combine your cooked protein, cooked rice or grain, and your sautéed veggies. Season with your favorite spices, herbs, and a touch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the stuffed pepper halves in the prepared mug and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the pepper is tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the mug from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two. Top your savory stuffed bell pepper with a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or any other toppings you desire. Dig in and enjoy your quick, easy, and satisfying meal!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra burst of flavor, try topping your savory stuffed bell pepper with a drizzle of hot sauce, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of your favorite condiment.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Customizable Fillings: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix and match different proteins, grains, and veggies to create your own unique spin.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeño, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
- Colorful Peppers: While I’ve used classic green bell peppers, you can experiment with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a pop of color and a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Make-Ahead Meal: The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply stuff the bell pepper halves and microwave for a quick, no-fuss meal.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a side of garlic bread.
Storage: Store any leftover savory stuffed bell pepper mug meals in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Microwave Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the mug back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just stuff the peppers and microwave for a quick, easy meal.
Nutrition Info
This savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal is a balanced, nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a combination of lean protein, complex carbs, and fiber-rich veggies, it’s a real-life, feel-good dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply stuff the bell pepper halves and microwave for a quick, no-fuss meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free protein and grain options.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Simply swap the ground meat for your favorite plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms. You can also use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeño, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
Can I use a different type of bell pepper?
Absolutely! While I’ve used classic green bell peppers in this recipe, you can experiment with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a pop of color and a slightly sweeter flavor.
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Print
Savory Stuffed Bell Pepper Mug Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory stuffed bell pepper mug meal is a quick and delicious dinner option, packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 large bell pepper
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 cup black beans, drained
1/4 cup corn
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Cut the bell pepper in half and remove the seeds.
2. 2. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture.
4. 4. Place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe mug.
5. 5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. 6. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
Notes
For extra flavor, add some chopped onions or garlic to the filling. You can also use ground turkey or beef instead of quinoa for a meatier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg