Baked Bell Pepper Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Baked bell peppers are a colorful, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful dish that can brighten up any meal. Perfect for vegetarians and those looking to add more veggies to their diet, this recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with a hearty, savory filling that is both satisfying and wholesome.

Whether you’re serving them as a main course or a side dish, baked bell peppers are a versatile option that’s easy to prepare and customize. From luscious melted cheese to protein-packed grains and fresh herbs, the ingredients come together beautifully when baked to tender perfection.

In this blog post, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating the best vegetarian baked bell peppers. This recipe is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to experiment with different fillings and flavors according to your taste. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked bell peppers are a fantastic choice for a vegetarian meal because they’re naturally gluten-free, packed with vitamins, and adaptable to various dietary preferences. One reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity—minimal prep, straightforward cooking, and maximum flavor.

The filling is a balanced blend of wholesome ingredients like quinoa or rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This combination creates a nutrient-dense, protein-rich dish that keeps you full and satisfied.

The peppers themselves become tender yet still retain a slight bite, offering a delightful texture contrast.

Additionally, this recipe is very forgiving—you can swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or your personal preferences. It’s perfect for meal prepping, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

If you love dishes like our Half Runner Beans Recipe or crave the comfort of warm, baked meals, this will quickly become a regular in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color – red, yellow, green, or orange)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or cooked brown rice)
• 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or vegan cheese)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth (optional, for moisture)

Equipment

• Baking dish or casserole pan
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the bell peppers: Wash and slice the tops off the bell peppers. Remove seeds and membranes carefully to create hollow vessels for the filling. Set aside.
3. Cook the filling: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Mix in the black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes to warm through. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Combine cooked quinoa (or rice) with the sautéed vegetable mixture in a bowl. Add vegetable broth if the mixture looks dry.
7. Stuff the peppers generously with the filling, pressing down lightly to pack in the mixture.
8. Place the stuffed peppers upright in your baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.”

You can customize the filling in many ways. Try adding cooked lentils or chickpeas for a different protein source.

For extra flavor, mix in some chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts.

If you like spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the filling. To make this gluten-free, ensure your broth and spices are free from gluten-containing additives.

For a Mediterranean twist, fill the peppers with a mixture of cooked couscous, feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh mint.

Want to explore more vegetarian dishes? Check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a tasty snack or dessert option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked bell peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. They also make an excellent filling for a grain bowl or can be served alongside warm, crusty bread.

For a heartier meal, serve these peppers with a bowl of soup or a cup of lentil stew. You might enjoy pairing it with our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a flavorful Asian-inspired side or dipping sauce.

Don’t forget to try them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added creaminess and flavor complexity.

Conclusion

Baked bell peppers are a delightful, nutritious, and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant colors and delicious fillings make them a crowd-pleaser, while their health benefits make them an ideal addition to your meal plan.

The recipe’s flexibility means you can tweak the filling to suit your taste and dietary needs, ensuring it never gets boring.

From casual weeknight dinners to elegant weekend gatherings, these baked bell peppers are sure to impress. They’re a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t miss our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or our delightful Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for dessert ideas after your veggie feast.

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