Are you craving a mouthwatering, nutritious meal that's both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these Classic Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers! Imagine vibrant, colorful bell peppers packed with a delicious blend of hearty rice, protein-rich black beans, and a symphony of spices that will transport your palate to a culinary paradise. Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish that promises to impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity for stuffing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the rice mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Stand the bell peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Carefully fill each pepper with the rice and bean mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow cheese to melt and slightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm, symmetrical, and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright while baking.
- For extra flavor, consider using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost nutritional value.
- If you want to add more protein, try mixing in some crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative.
- Experiment with different cheese options like vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternatives.
- Make sure to drain beans and vegetables thoroughly to prevent a watery filling.
- For a crispy top, broil the peppers for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make the cooking process faster and more streamlined.
- These stuffed peppers can be made ahead and refrigerated, making them perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
