Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers

why make this recipe

Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and nutritious meal option that is easy to prepare. They’re colorful, packed with various flavors, and can be customized with different ingredients. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables while also getting a good dose of protein and fiber. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that makes cleaning up a breeze!

how to make Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the filling mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
5. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of stuffed peppers.
6. 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 and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve and enjoy!

how to serve Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers can be served as a main dish or alongside a light salad. They are great for lunch or dinner and are perfect for meal prep. Just cut the stuffed peppers in half to make them easier to eat.

how to store Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers

You can store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer time, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and they will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

tips to make Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Feel free to mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste. You can add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or extra vegetables.
• For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the filling mix.
• You can also vary the types of cheese used for topping. Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work great!

variation

You can make a Mediterranean version by using feta cheese, olives, and adding spinach to the filling. This adds a different flavor profile and is also delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers a day ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! While bell peppers are the most common, you can use poblano peppers, jalapeños, or any other pepper you like.

3. What if I don’t have quinoa or rice?
You can substitute with other grains like farro, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers

A colorful and nutritious one-dish meal filled with protein and fiber, customizable with various ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Healthy

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice Use your preferred grain
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained Canned beans for convenience
• 1 cup diced tomatoes Fresh or canned tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels Fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese Optional topping

For the peppers

• 4 large bell peppers Any color of bell peppers

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Stuff each bell pepper with the filling mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.

Baking

• If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of stuffed peppers.
• 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 and the cheese is melted.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to mix and match the ingredients. You can add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or extra vegetables. For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the filling. Variations include using feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean flavor.

Keyword Customizable Recipe, Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers, Meal Prep, One-Dish Meal, Vegetarian