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Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice Recipe

Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice Recipe

5.1 from 32 reviews

These easy vegetarian stuffed bell peppers with rice are a delicious and nutritious meal. Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked to perfection. A perfect dish for a wholesome dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Bell Peppers:

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)

Cooked Rice Mixture:

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup diced zucchini
  • 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1/2 cup black beans (or chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Optional: Pre-bake the peppers for 10 minutes or blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes for softer peppers.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and mushrooms, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Mix the vegetable mixture with the cooked rice until evenly combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Stuff the Bell Peppers: Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each pepper generously with the rice and vegetable mixture. Optional: Top with shredded cheese.
  4. Bake: Add a small amount of water or tomato sauce to the bottom of the baking dish to keep the peppers moist. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian, stuffed bell peppers, rice, easy, healthy, vegetarian dinner