Hungry but short on time? This Savory Stuffed Pepper Mug Meal is your fast and foolproof solution for a satisfying dinner in minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can have a hot, homemade meal ready to enjoy — no fancy cooking skills required.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Stuffed Pepper Mug Meal
This quick and easy mug meal is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Bell peppers act as the perfect vessel for a savory, protein-packed filling that’s both nourishing and delicious. Plus, it’s a one-bowl wonder that requires minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re craving something cozy, need a last-minute meal, or want a healthier alternative to takeout, this stuffed pepper mug is sure to become a new go-to in your rotation.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this satisfying mug meal: bell peppers, ground turkey or lean ground beef, rice, canned diced tomatoes, garlic, and a few spices. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that lets the flavors of the fresh produce shine.
- 1 medium bell pepper – halved and seeded
- 3 oz ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/3 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic – minced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Ground chicken or lean ground pork would also work well (same cook time)
- Rice: Swap in quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even instant mashed potatoes (dietary swap)
How to Make Savory Stuffed Pepper Mug Meal
This savory mug meal is a breeze to assemble with just a few simple steps. Grab your microwave and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the bell peppers in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes. Dice the garlic, then gather the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a microwave-safe mug or bowl, combine the ground turkey, rice, diced tomatoes, garlic, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs or spices. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Stuff each pepper half with the savory filling, packing it in tightly. Place the stuffed pepper halves in the mug or bowl, standing them up if needed. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra flavor boost, top the stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of shredded cheese before microwaving. You can also drizzle on a little hot sauce or ranch dressing once they’re done cooking.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Color it Up: Try using different color bell peppers for a fun visual contrast.
- Hearty Addition: Stir in some cooked black beans or corn to the filling for an even heartier meal.
- Meal Prep: Make these mug meals ahead of time and refrigerate them for quick, grab-and-go lunches or dinners later in the week.
- Oven Option: Assemble the stuffed pepper halves and bake them in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a crusty piece of garlic bread.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Microwave Reheat: Pop the stuffed peppers back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Info
This recipe is a nutritious, well-balanced meal, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals from the bell peppers and other ingredients. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 25g of protein, and 10g of fiber.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen bell peppers instead of fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bell pepper halves for this recipe. Just be sure to defrost them completely before stuffing and microwaving.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey or beef for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. For a vegan option, use plant-based ground “meat” and top with vegan cheese or a drizzle of tahini.
Can I bake these stuffed peppers instead of microwaving?
Definitely! If you prefer, you can assemble the stuffed pepper halves and bake them in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
How can I meal prep these mug meals in advance?
These stuffed peppers freeze beautifully. Assemble and stuff the peppers, then place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before microwaving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Savory Stuffed Pepper Mug Meal is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients like certified gluten-free rice.
Try These Next
- Savory Stuffed Bell Pepper Mug Meal
- Stuffed Pepper Rice In A Mug My Easy Cozy Microwave Meal
- Dinner Mug Meals
Savory Stuffed Pepper Mug Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious savory stuffed pepper mug meal that is perfect for dinner. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this recipe is easy to prepare and cook in just a few minutes.
Ingredients
2 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Start by cutting the bell peppers in half and removing the seeds.
2. 2. In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Stuff each bell pepper half with the quinoa mixture.
4. 4. Place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe mug or bowl.
5. 5. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
6. 6. Remove from the microwave and sprinkle cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.
7. 7. Return to the microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
8. 8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
This recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Feel free to add diced tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg