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Homemade Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers photo

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

These Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are a flavor explosion! Packed with nutritious ingredients, they are perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

For the Peppers:
  • 4 pieces red bell peppers halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 piece jalapeño pepper stemmed and finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more for sprinkling
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cooked black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus wedges for serving
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salsa optional, for serving
  • Avocado or guacamole optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Stepwise Method:
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, wash the red bell peppers and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes, then set them aside in a baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and jalapeño. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  3. Next, add the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, sea salt, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, lime juice, lime zest, and half of the shredded pepper jack cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  5. Generously fill each pepper half with the rice and bean mixture, pressing down slightly to pack the filling. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining pepper jack cheese.
  6. Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed peppers and sprinkle with additional sea salt, if desired. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
  7. Once out of the oven, let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, salsa, and avocado or guacamole on the side for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat, place them in the microwave or warm them in the oven covered with foil.
  • Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or grains.