Every year, more and more people are paying increased attention to healthy eating. As a result, many familiar childhood dishes are being banned. For example, people watching their weight often avoid peppers stuffed with any meat or rice, believing them to be high in calories.
But is this really true? This dish is a staple in Bulgarian, Russian, and many other cuisines. Its simple recipe and short preparation time appeal to everyone. Another positive aspect is that it maintains a balance of flavor and quality, and when prepared correctly, it can be used in dietary meals.
Nutritional value and calorie content of peppers stuffed with meat and rice
The nutritional value and calorie content of a dish depend on the composition of the filling.
It also contains capsaicin, which stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and helps suppress appetite. As for the filling ingredients, consider the type of ground meat, rice, and cooking method.
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Bell peppers themselves are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Thus, 100 g contains:
- Proteins - 1.46 g
- Carbohydrates - 5.60 g
- Fats - 0.16 g
The calorie content and nutritional value of minced meat also differ, the BJU are provided in the table below:
| Peppers with minced meat | Proteins, g | Fats, g | Carbohydrates, g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 5.3 | 2.1 | 10.2 |
| Indyushin | 16.2 | 0.6 | 1 |
| Beef | 7 | 7.5 | 4.3 |
| Pork and beef | 2.1 | 0.2 | 21 |
| Pork | 11 | 14.3 | 7 |
Most cooks add rice to the minced meat. There are several types of rice, including white, brown, wild, red, long-grain, and basmati. Each has different nutritional value:
| Rice | Proteins, g | Fats, g | Carbohydrates, g |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 6.5 | 0.5 | 76.4 |
| Brown | 6.58 | 1.89 | 62.41 |
| Wild | 3.99 | 0.34 | 21.34 |
| Red | 7.5 | 2.57 | 64.11 |
| Long grain | 2.69 | 0.31 | 28.31 |
| Basmati | 7.5 | 2.6 | 62.3 |
You may be interested in:Calorie content of the dish
Calorie content depends on the ingredients in the dish and the cooking method. Bell peppers alone contain 75 kcal per 100 g. The table lists the calories per 100 g of various types of stuffed peppers.
| Pepper | Caloric content, kcal |
|---|---|
| Stuffed with vegetables | 57.9 |
| With minced chicken | 110.2 |
| With ground turkey | 74.5 |
| With minced pork | 203.4 |
| With ground beef | 113.3 |
| With minced pork and beef | 223.4 |
| With beef and rice | 152.5 |
Therefore, when choosing minced meat for the filling, it is worth considering its calorie content and nutritional value.
How to reduce the calorie content of a dish?
To reduce calories, consider the ingredients. Peppers stuffed with vegetables are considered the most dietary. If you need a meat filling, choose low-calorie meats, such as chicken or turkey. It's best to use the tenderloin. The ground meat doesn't require pre-cooking; it's added raw.
The tomato paste used for the dressing should be natural. Store-bought tomato paste contains a large number of preservatives and can have a negative impact on the body. The paste should be added directly to the peppers, without frying them first.
When frying onions and carrots, use a minimal amount of oil. However, it's generally recommended not to fry the gravy; instead, add the onions and carrots raw. Avoid sour cream and mayonnaise. In addition to being high in calories, they also contain high amounts of cholesterol, which increases the risk of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
The only spices used for cooking are salt and ground black pepper.

The timing of meals is also important. For example, peppers stuffed with meat are best eaten at lunchtime, when a full meal is recommended. This is because during this time, the body digests food well and prevents fat deposition in unwanted areas.
As for peppers stuffed with vegetables, they should be eaten in the evening due to their low calorie content. This way, the gastrointestinal tract won't be overloaded before physiological rest (sleep).
You may be interested in:Low-calorie stuffed pepper recipe
To prepare this dietary dish, use brown rice and low-calorie meat. Only then will your favorite dish not contribute to weight gain. To prepare, you'll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Minced chicken | 500 | G |
| Bell pepper | 10-13 | pcs. |
| Rice | 3 | tbsp |
| Bulb | 2 | pcs. |
| Garlic | 3 | clove |
| Carrot | 1 | pcs. |
| Green | to taste | |
| Tomato paste | 2 | tbsp |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Allspice peas | 1-2 | pcs. |
| Bay leaf | 1-2 | pcs. |
Brown rice is boiled in salted water until half cooked and set aside to cool.

Wash the vegetables thoroughly.

Rinse the chicken fillet and grind it into mince along with the onion. Add the raw carrots, finely grated first. They should be added raw, as frying them in oil will increase the calorie content. Next, mix the rice with the mince. Add salt, pepper, spices, and garlic to taste. Stuff the vegetable hearts.

Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Turn every 15 minutes. Cooking time is 40 minutes. Add a bay leaf to the marinade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitamin C is found in the highest quantity of any known vegetable. It boosts the immune system and strengthens vascular walls, thereby preventing various types of bleeding. It's also worth noting the capsaicin content, which acts on malignant cells and causes their death.
This dish can be part of a healthy diet and a dietary product. However, it's important to consider the ingredients, cooking methods, and any additional additives. Food quality and storage guidelines should also be considered.

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