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Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful and nutritious bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful rice and bean mixture, perfect for a healthy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup rice Long grain or brown rice both work; brown adds nuttiness.
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed Add protein and a creamy, earthy bite.
  • 1 cup corn Sweet kernels add pops of texture.
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes Bring acidity and juiciness to the filling.
  • 1 medium onion, diced Softens into sweetness when sautéed.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic backbone that enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Warm and smoky seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Adds gentle heat.
  • to taste salt and pepper Simple seasoning that makes everything shine.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing and adding a silky finish.
  • 4 bell peppers Choose mixed colors for a pretty presentation.
  • optional Cheese (for topping) Melty cheddar or cotija is a lovely finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff each pepper with the rice and bean mixture.
  6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Notes

Feel free to change the ingredients based on what you have. Add different vegetables or grains for variety. For extra flavor, try adding spices like paprika or oregano. To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. You can easily make a quinoa version by swapping out rice for cooked quinoa. This adds extra protein and is gluten-free. Another option is to mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more veggies.