Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

There’s something truly comforting about a tray of colorful, fragrant vegan stuffed bell peppers fresh from the oven. This dish is a staple in plant-based kitchens for good reason: it’s hearty, healthy, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next gathering, stuffed bell peppers are always a hit. With a savory mixture of rice, beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices, each bite is bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare in advance.

In this detailed recipe blog post, I’ll guide you through every step of making delicious vegan stuffed bell peppers from scratch. You’ll find helpful tips, ingredient swaps, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions to make this recipe your own.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring more plant-based meals, this classic comfort food will become a regular part of your repertoire. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Colorful and Nutritious: Bell peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C, and the stuffing packs in protein, fiber, and whole grains.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy the familiar flavors and fun presentation of stuffed peppers.
• Versatile & Customizable: Swap in your favorite grains, beans, and veggies to suit what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for quick lunches and dinners all week.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction—everything bakes together in one pan.
• Plant-Based Power: Satisfying, filling, and completely free from animal products.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect vegan stuffed bell peppers:

Equipment

• Large Baking Dish (9×13-inch or similar)
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Aluminum Foil
• Oven Mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the bell peppers:
   • Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
   • If needed, slightly trim the bottom so they stand upright (don’t cut through the bottom).
   • Arrange the hollowed peppers in the baking dish.
3. Sauté the aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add veggies and beans:
   • Add corn, chopped spinach, and black beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Mix in grains and sauce:
   • Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and mixture thickens slightly.
   • Turn off heat and stir in lemon or lime juice.
6. Stuff the peppers:
   • Use a spoon to fill each pepper generously with the rice and bean mixture.
   • Press down gently to pack the filling.
   • If you have extra filling, spoon it around the peppers in the dish.
7. Add extra sauce:
   • Spoon a little extra tomato sauce over the tops of each stuffed pepper for extra moisture and flavor.
8. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
9. Uncover and finish baking:
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
10. Garnish and serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
    • Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
    • Enjoy hot, with your favorite sides or sauces!

“For a creamier twist, drizzle with vegan béchamel sauce before serving.”

Tips & Variations

• Change up the protein: Try lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tempeh for a different flavor and texture.
• Add more veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or peas are all excellent additions. Dice finely and sauté before mixing with rice.
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
• Go Mediterranean: Swap black beans and cumin for white beans, fresh basil, and oregano. Top with vegan feta before baking.
• Melted vegan cheese: Sprinkle your favorite plant-based cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for gooey goodness.
• Use leftover grains: Quinoa, farro, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice work well.
• Meal prep tip: Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Stuff and bake the peppers when ready to eat.
• Make it oil-free: Sauté with vegetable broth instead of oil.

“Stuffed peppers are a great way to use up leftover grains and veggies—you’ll never eat the same pepper twice!”

Nutrition Facts

These nutrition facts are approximate and based on one stuffed pepper (1/4 of the recipe):

Note: Nutrition will vary based on your specific ingredients and optional add-ins.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle with sauce: Spoon on some vegan béchamel, tahini lemon sauce, or salsa for extra moisture and flavor.
• Serve with sides: Try a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or a bowl of low calorie vegetable soup for a complete meal.
• Pair with bread: Enjoy alongside homemade crusty bread, or bake a loaf using this vegan bread machine recipe.
• Toppings: Top with avocado slices, vegan sour cream, chopped green onions, or hot sauce.
• Make it a party: Serve as a main dish at your next potluck or family dinner—just double the recipe!

“These stuffed peppers are even better the next day—perfect for lunchboxes and leftovers.”

Conclusion

Vegan stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food with a nutritious, plant-based twist. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you stick to the recipe or get creative with your favorite grains, beans, and veggies, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

For even more veggie-packed inspiration, don’t miss our guides to Peruvian vegetable recipes, vegetarian swiss chard recipes, and hearty slow cooker veg recipes. With wholesome meals like these, plant-based living has never been more delicious or satisfying.

Give these vegan stuffed bell peppers a try tonight and discover a new favorite for your dinner table!

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