Stuffed Peppers with Day-Old Rice and Leftover Pork Roast Recipe – Easy Leftover Makeover for a Hearty Dinner

Stuffed Peppers with Day-Old Rice and Leftover Pork Roast Recipe

This Stuffed Peppers with Day-Old Rice and Leftover Pork Roast recipe transforms your leftover ingredients into a colorful, comforting, and flavorful meal. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe combines tender bell peppers with shredded pork, leftover rice, sweet peas, and melted cheddar cheese for a dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or creative meal prep. By using day-old rice and leftover roast pork, this recipe is both economical and delicious, turning simple pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying dinner.

The Inspiration

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort-food dish that allows for creativity in the kitchen while minimizing waste. This recipe was inspired by the idea of repurposing leftovers into a meal that feels fresh, flavorful, and visually appealing. Instead of letting yesterday’s rice and pork go unused, host Vanessa Gianfrancesco demonstrates on Everyday Excellent how simple techniques—like sautéing aromatics and combining them with a rich tomato sauce—can elevate everyday ingredients into a dish that the whole family will love.

The multi-colored bell peppers not only add vibrancy to the plate but also provide natural sweetness that balances the savory filling. Adding frozen peas and shredded cheddar cheese introduces subtle layers of texture and flavor, making the stuffed peppers both hearty and comforting. This recipe is ideal for home cooks who want a nutritious, filling meal without starting from scratch, combining Italian-inspired flavors with a practical approach to leftovers.

Ingredients

• multi-colored bell peppers
• 2 cups (473 g) leftover pork roast, shredded
• 3 cups (710 g) leftover rice
• 1 7.2 oz (213 ml) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup (118 g) frozen peas
• ½ cup (118 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 tsp (5 g) chili powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Methods

• Preheat the oven to 425 F (218 C).
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the cores and seeds.
• Heat the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sweat for about 3 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. Stir in the chili powder for 1 minute to toast, then add the dried oregano, tomato sauce, leftover pork, and rice. Cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in frozen peas and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Scoop the filling into the bell peppers and top with cheddar cheese. Cook in a baking dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes, then serve.

Serving Suggestions

These Stuffed Peppers with Day-Old Rice and Leftover Pork Roast are perfect as a main course for dinner, paired with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For casual weeknight meals, serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted potatoes to make the dish extra filling. The vibrant bell peppers make the dish visually appealing, perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

For added flavor, drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze over the peppers just before serving. The dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light red like Pinot Noir, complementing the savory pork and tomato-based filling. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave, making this recipe ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Peppers with Day-Old Rice and Leftover Pork Roast recipe is a practical yet flavorful solution for repurposing leftovers into a hearty, satisfying, and colorful meal. By combining leftover pork, rice, and simple pantry ingredients, Vanessa Gianfrancesco demonstrates how minimal effort can yield maximum flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual entertaining, these stuffed peppers offer a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and grains, all wrapped in tender, naturally sweet bell peppers. The melted cheddar cheese adds a comforting finish, while the combination of spices and tomato sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

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