These satisfying Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, flavorful dinner that checks all the boxes: wholesome ingredients, bold Tex-Mex flavor, and easy preparation perfect for busy families!
Why We Love Southwestern Stuffed Peppers
We were at a friend’s house for dinner recently and she served stuffed peppers for dinner. I always had them growing up, but haven’t had them in years. I forgot how much I love them! Immediately I started trying to recreate them at home. These Southwestern-inspired bell peppers are loaded with seasoned rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and melted cheese for a satisfying vegetarian meal that everyone will love.
- Healthy and full: It’s full of fiber, plant-based protein, and vegetables.
- Family Friendly: Mild spice level with big flavor
- Customized: Easily adaptable to meat lovers, dairy-free diets or picky eaters.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, easy to customize, and a great way to encourage kids to eat more vegetables, especially when topped with gooey cheese and fresh cilantro.
Tips for the best stuffed peppers:
- Roast the peppers in advance It is soft and not crunchy.
- Use freshly cooked rice Let it cool slightly so it can be mixed easily.
- Taste before filling—Taco seasoning brands come in a variety of salts and spices.
- Put foil on the pan Skipping the water method makes cleaning easier.
Recipe variations and suggestions:
- Add protein: Stir in cooked ground turkey, shredded chicken, or beef.
- Make it spicy: Use hot diced tomatoes with green peppers or add jalapenos.
- Use store-bought, pre-cooked rice. For even more flavor, use the seasoned variety.
- Children’s version: Skip the green peppers and use regular chopped tomatoes.
- Low-carb options: Try swapping rice for cauliflower rice.
- Vegan options: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese and top with avocado.
Storage and prep tips:
- refrigerator: Store leftovers, covered, for 4 to 5 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Prepare in advance: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and fill it with peppers before grilling.
What to serve with Southwest Stuffed Peppers:
Fruit salad that adds a refreshing taste
Simple Green Salad with Avocado Dressing
Tortilla chips and fresh salsa
Guacamole or sliced avocado
More delicious vegetarian dinner ideas:
Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers
These satisfying Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, flavorful dinner that checks all the boxes: wholesome ingredients, bold Tex-Mex flavor, and easy preparation perfect for busy families!
Serving Size: 6
- 6 sweet green pepper red, yellow, or orange
- 1 1/2 cup Cooking white or brown rice Or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic clove, minced
- 14.5 oz. You can dice tomatoes with green peppers
- 14 oz. Black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cup Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or pepper jack), to be shared
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
preheat oven Up to 400°F.
Prepare the peppers:Cut about ¼ inch off the top of the pepper and remove the stem, ribs, and seeds. Place peppers cut-side down in a large baking dish filled with ½ inch of water. broil 20 minutes soften
Make the filling:Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and green peppers, green onions, taco seasoning, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir-fry the rice. 1 cup shredded cheeseAnd coriander. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Stuff the peppers:Remove the peppers from the oven and drain carefully. Stand the peppers upright and divide the insides evenly. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake again:Put it back in the oven and bake. 10-15 minutesuntil the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm. Add your favorite toppings or sides.
