Tuna Melt Stuffed Peppers
These tuna melt stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich. Bell peppers are filled with a creamy tuna salad mixture and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- While the peppers are baking, prepare the tuna salad. In a medium bowl, combine the flaked tuna, mayonnaise (or yogurt), celery, red onion, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Once the peppers are softened, remove them from the oven and spoon the tuna salad mixture evenly into each pepper half.
- Top each pepper half with shredded cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for a minute or two for extra crispy cheese, if desired (watch closely to avoid burning).
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use tuna packed in olive oil. Drain the oil well before adding the tuna to the salad.
- Add other chopped vegetables to the tuna salad, such as carrots, peas, or chopped pickles.
- To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the peppers and tuna salad up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.