Save Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and/or ground meat, baked until tender—a satisfying, nutritious, and affordable meal perfect for weeknights.
The first time I made stuffed bell peppers, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could turn into such a hearty meal. Everyone at my table loved choosing their pepper color and favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off, seeds removed
- Filling Base: 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- Filling Base: 1 cup cooked black beans or kidney beans (or 250 g ground beef, turkey, or chicken)
- Filling Base: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Filling Base: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Filling Base: 1 medium tomato, diced (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- Filling Base: 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Filling Base: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), plus extra for topping
- Filling Base: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Filling Base: 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Filling Base: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Filling Base: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Filling Base: Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnishes (optional): Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Garnishes (optional): Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Garnishes (optional): 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.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add Meat (If Using):
- If using ground meat, add it now. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Other Ingredients:
- Stir in cooked rice, beans (if using), tomato, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 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:
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.
Save Stuffed peppers are one of those dinners my family requests over and over. It's a joy to share this comforting dish together around the table.
Nutrition Information
Each serving (with beans and cheese) provides approximately 320 calories, 10 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Required Tools
You'll need a large baking dish, a sharp knife, cutting board, skillet, mixing spoon, and aluminum foil to prepare stuffed peppers.
Allergy Advice
Contains dairy if using cheese. Omit or use dairy-free cheese for lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
Save Try these peppers with a simple salad for a complete meal. Leftovers heat up beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe Help
- → What types of bell peppers work best?
Any large bell peppers in vibrant colors can be used, such as red, yellow, green, or orange. Choose firm ones with sturdy walls for easier filling and baking.
- → Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
Yes, quinoa or bulgur are great alternatives that complement the spices and beans for a nutritious filling.
- → How do I make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely. Also, opt for beans or lentils instead of ground meat for a plant-based option.
- → What spices enhance the filling's flavor?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano provide warm, earthy notes that meld beautifully with fresh onion, garlic, and tomato.
- → How can I tell when the peppers are done baking?
The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese topping should be melted and bubbly with slightly golden edges.
- → Are there recommended garnishes to serve?
Fresh cilantro or parsley adds brightness, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt lends creamy tang. Lime wedges can also add a zesty finish.