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.