Description
A hearty and wholesome dish, these stuffed bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect as a main course or side dish, they are both comforting and versatile
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed, seeds and membranes cleaned
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add zucchini, carrot, and corn. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Fill the Peppers:
- Spoon the filling mixture evenly into the prepared bell peppers.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine marinara sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes. Pour the sauce over and around the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.
- Bake the Peppers:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the peppers (if using), and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Substitute rice with quinoa, couscous, or farro for variety.
- For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese.
- Add cooked ground meat or beans for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg