Pin this Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and/or ground meat, baked until tender. This satisfying, nutritious, and affordable meal is perfect for weeknights and can be adapted for vegetarians or meat-eaters alike.
I first made stuffed bell peppers on a rainy Tuesday after discovering a rainbow of peppers at the market. They quickly became a dinner staple in my house, loved for their vibrant colors and endless flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off, seeds removed
- Filling Base: 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- Black Beans or Kidney Beans (or ground meat): 1 cup cooked beans OR 250 g ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato: 1 medium, diced OR 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
- Corn Kernels: 1/2 cup (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Shredded Cheese: 1/2 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), plus extra for topping
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Garnishes (optional): Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers:
- Slice off the tops, remove seeds and membranes. Arrange peppers upright in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Meat (if using):
- If using ground meat, add it now. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5 to 7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Combine Filling:
- Stir in cooked rice, beans (if using), tomato, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Fill Peppers:
- Spoon the filling into the prepared bell peppers, pressing down gently to fill completely. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour 1/2 cup water or broth into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.
Pin this Stuffed bell peppers are always a hit at family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. My kids love choosing their own garnishes and colors for their peppers.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, sharp knife, cutting board, skillet, mixing spoon, and aluminum foil make this recipe simple to prepare and clean up.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese). Omit or use dairy-free cheese for lactose intolerance or vegan diets. Gluten-free as written—check packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (with beans and cheese): Calories: 320, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 13 g.
Pin this Serve these stuffed bell peppers fresh out of the oven for a meal that's both vibrant and comforting. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings to suit your tastes.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What types of peppers work best?
Large bell peppers of any color work well, as they hold the filling and soften nicely when baked.
- → Can the filling be made vegetarian?
Yes, using beans instead of meat keeps the dish vegetarian while maintaining a hearty texture.
- → How can I prevent the peppers from drying out?
Add water or broth to the baking dish and cover with foil to keep peppers moist and tender while baking.
- → What variations can I add to the filling?
Consider adding chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What spices enhance the flavor?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper bring warmth and depth to the filling.