Introduction
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of rice, beans, vegetables, and spices, making them a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of tender, roasted peppers and the savory, well-seasoned stuffing creates a balanced dish that is both filling and healthy. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are versatile, customizable, and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings.
These stuffed peppers are not only packed with flavor, but they are also a great way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meatless meal, these stuffed peppers are a great choice. They’re perfect for a satisfying dinner and pair wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Flavorful and Filling: The stuffing made from rice, beans, and vegetables is hearty and packed with flavor. The combination of spices and herbs gives each bite a delicious depth of flavor, while the roasted bell peppers provide a natural sweetness that complements the savory filling.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, this dish is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. It’s a great source of fiber, vitamins, and protein, making it a balanced meal that is satisfying without being heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Add extra veggies, change the type of beans, or include your favorite seasonings for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are great for making ahead. They store well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, paired with the colorful stuffing, make this dish an eye-catching centerpiece on any dinner table.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per stuffed pepper, depending on portion sizes and additional toppings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 55-60g
- Protein: 12-15g
- Fiber: 8-10g
- Sugar: 6-8g
Ingredients
For the Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese, optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by preparing the bell peppers. Cut the tops off the peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle so you don’t tear the peppers. You should have hollow peppers ready to be stuffed. To make the peppers sit flat and prevent them from tipping over during cooking, you can trim a small slice from the bottom of each pepper, but be careful not to cut too deep.
Once the peppers are cleaned, place them in a baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything evenly. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), ground oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. Let the filling cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
3. Stuff the Bell Peppers
Once the filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the peppers. Spoon the rice and vegetable mixture into each bell pepper, packing the filling tightly. Be sure to fill each pepper all the way to the top.
4. Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed peppers for 30 minutes. This will help the peppers soften while keeping the filling moist.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese (if using) over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor. These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own or served with a side salad, rice, or tortilla chips.
Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Use Different Grains: While rice is the most common choice for stuffing, you can use quinoa, couscous, or even farro for a unique twist. These grains add different textures and flavors to the stuffing.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the stuffing, such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell pepper scraps. This increases the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
- Make Ahead: Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also prepare the stuffing in advance and stuff the peppers right before baking for a quicker meal.
- Vegan Version: To make these stuffed peppers vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add avocado slices as a creamy topping when serving.
- Spice It Up: If you like more heat, add some diced jalapeño or chili flakes to the stuffing. You can also serve the peppers with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Grill the Peppers: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the bell peppers instead of baking them. Simply grill the peppers until charred and tender, then stuff them with the filling and finish them on the grill for a few minutes to heat through.
Variations of Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Mexican Stuffed Peppers: Add taco seasoning to the filling, and swap out the rice for Spanish rice. Top the stuffed peppers with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for a Mexican-inspired meal.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Use couscous or quinoa as the base, and add ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing twist.
- Italian Stuffed Peppers: Incorporate Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese into the stuffing. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
- Breakfast Stuffed Peppers: For a fun twist, make stuffed peppers for breakfast by adding scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, and cheese to the filling. This is a great way to enjoy a protein-packed breakfast.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers: If you’re making appetizers or want smaller servings, use mini bell peppers instead of large ones. These bite-sized stuffed peppers are perfect for parties or gatherings.
Storage and Shelf Life
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply place the cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed peppers. Allow the peppers to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen stuffed peppers can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Pair your Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with these delicious side dishes to complete your meal:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich, savory stuffed peppers.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Serve with homemade guacamole and crispy tortilla chips for a fun, shareable side dish.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: A fragrant, flavorful rice dish that pairs perfectly with the bell peppers.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious and satisfying side.
- Cornbread: Sweet, moist cornbread is a delicious complement to the savory stuffed peppers.
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mix of rice, beans, vegetables, and spices. A wholesome, satisfying dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a light dinner or as a side!
Ingredients
For the Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese, optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by preparing the bell peppers. Cut the tops off the peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Be gentle so you don’t tear the peppers. You should have hollow peppers ready to be stuffed. To make the peppers sit flat and prevent them from tipping over during cooking, you can trim a small slice from the bottom of each pepper, but be careful not to cut too deep.
Once the peppers are cleaned, place them in a baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything evenly. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), ground oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. Let the filling cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
3. Stuff the Bell Peppers
Once the filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the peppers. Spoon the rice and vegetable mixture into each bell pepper, packing the filling tightly. Be sure to fill each pepper all the way to the top.
4. Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed peppers for 30 minutes. This will help the peppers soften while keeping the filling moist.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese (if using) over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor. These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own or served with a side salad, rice, or tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-s
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 55-60g
- Protein: 12-15g
Conclusion
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious, colorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables, making each bite satisfying and full of complex flavors. This dish is not only healthy but also versatile and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a special gathering, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress. Enjoy the goodness of plant-based ingredients with this satisfying and delicious recipe!
