Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Veggies
These vibrant Stuffed Bell Peppers are a nutrient-packed, flavor-loaded meal that’s as versatile as it is satisfying! Sweet bell peppers are stuffed with a hearty mixture of fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and protein-rich black beans (or your choice of meat), then baked to tender perfection. Topped with melty cheese (optional but delicious!), this dish is naturally vegetarian, easily customizable, and perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or entertaining.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean/American Fusion
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (or 3 cups cooked)
- 2 cups mixed veggies (onion, garlic, zucchini, mushrooms)
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained (or ½ lb ground meat)
- 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cumin
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup cheese (feta, mozzarella, or parmesan) optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- Salt/pepper to taste
Prep Peppers
Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds.Optional: Blanch in boiling water 2-3 mins for softer texture.
Make Filling
Sauté onions/garlic until fragrant.Add veggies, cook 5 mins.Stir in rice, beans, seasonings, and ¼ cup broth.
Assemble & Bake
Stuff peppers tightly, top with cheese.Place in dish, pour remaining broth around base.Cover with foil, bake at 375°F for 25 mins.Uncover, bake 5-10 more mins until bubbly.
Meal Prep Pro Tip:
-
Make filling up to 2 days ahead
-
Freeze unbaked peppers for 3 months
Flavor Boosters:
-
Add 1 tbsp tomato paste to filling
-
Garnish with fresh basil or hot sauce
Kid-Friendly Hack:
Use mini sweet peppers for bite-sized portions!
Keyword Baked vegetarian dinner, Easy rice-stuffed peppers, Healthy stuffed peppers, Meal prep stuffed peppers, Vegetarian bell pepper recipe