Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice
Vegetarian stuffed bell peppers with rice are a versatile and wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender bell peppers with a savory rice and vegetable filling, seasoned with aromatic spices.
It’s easy to customize with different grains, beans, or seasonings, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, meal-prepping, or hosting guests, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers red, green, yellow, or orange
- 1 cup cooked rice white, brown, or wild
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup diced zucchini
- ½ cup diced mushrooms
- ½ cup canned diced tomatoes drained
- ½ cup black beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese optional
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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.
Prep Time 20minutes mins
Cook Time 40minutes mins
Total Time 1hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine International
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 250 kcal
