Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice Recipe
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!
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: vegetarian, stuffed bell peppers, rice, easy, healthy, vegetarian dinner