If you're looking for a filling and delicious meal that won't wreck your diet, then consider the Southern Stuffed Pepper. One serving, which is 12 ounces, contains 1200 calories, making it an ideal option for individuals who need a high-calorie diet. This dish offers a blend of spicy and savory flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Nutritionally, the Southern Stuffed Pepper is a great choice as well. It is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to maintaining good health. Whether you're a meat lover or a veggie lover, this dish is sure to please.

Now, let's look at the ingredients, preparation instructions, serving size, health benefits, and taste and texture of this dish.

Calorie Content

As mentioned earlier, one serving of this dish contains 1200 calories, which makes it perfect for individuals who require a high-calorie diet. It is a great way to get energy and nutrients without having to consume too much fat or sugar. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, you may want to adjust the serving size accordingly. It's worth noting that the ingredients used in this dish play a significant role in the calorie count. For instance, ground beef has more calories than ground turkey, so switching from beef to turkey could reduce the calorie content of the dish.

Nutritional Value

For starters, it is an excellent source of protein. One serving contains about 50 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Additionally, the dish is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel movements. The vegetables used in this dish, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, are also great sources of vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers, for instance, are a rich source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and wound healing. The dish also contains calcium, potassium, and iron, which are all vital minerals for the body.

Ingredients

The most essential ingredients are bell peppers and ground beef, which form the base of the dish. You'll also need rice, onions, tomatoes, cheese, and a range of spices, such as paprika, chili pepper, and garlic powder. To make the dish healthier, you could substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You could also add more veggies to the filling, such as spinach or kale.

Preparation Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink. Add the rice, tomatoes, and spices to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined. Scoop the filling into the bell peppers, then top each pepper with grated cheese. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Size

One serving of the Southern Stuffed Pepper is 12 ounces or roughly 340 grams. This serving size contains 1200 calories, which makes it a great option for individuals who need a high-calorie diet. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, you may want to adjust the serving size accordingly. You could also pair the Southern Stuffed Pepper with a side salad or veggies to make the meal more nutritious and filling. This will also help reduce the serving size of the dish.

Health Benefits

For one, it is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for the body. These nutrients help maintain healthy muscles, bones, and organs, as well as support immune function and overall health. The dish is also low in fat and sugar, making it a great option for individuals trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. When consumed in moderation, it can help keep you full and satisfied for longer periods.

Taste and Texture

The filling is a combination of ground beef, rice, veggies, and spices, which provides a blend of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The bell pepper adds a crisp and slightly sweet element to the dish. The dish is also cheesy, with a rich and gooey texture that complements the filling. When cooked correctly, the bell pepper should be tender and slightly charred around the edges. Overall, the Southern Stuffed Pepper is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Alternative Ingredients

For starters, you could substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, which are leaner meats with fewer calories and less fat. This switch can help reduce the calorie count of the dish without compromising on flavor. You could also add more veggies to the filling to make it more nutritious and filling. Spinach, kale, zucchini, and carrots are great options.

Serving Suggestions

To make the dish more nutritious, you could serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies. The peppers also pair well with quinoa or a side of guacamole. If you're looking for a heartier meal, you could serve the Southern Stuffed Pepper with mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries. You could also prepare a batch of garlic bread to accompany the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

To store the Southern Stuffed Pepper, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or oven before consuming. If you want to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to label the container with the date of freezing and the contents of the container.