Stuffed Yellow Bell Peppers Recipe
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Description:
This delightful “meatless” entree of stuffed yellow bell peppers is not only visually appealing but also packs a flavorful punch that makes it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Served alongside steamed broccoli, an avocado and mandarine orange salad, and complemented by soft white dinner rolls, this dish promises a satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef looking for a wholesome yet easy-to-prepare recipe, these stuffed peppers fit the bill perfectly.
Recipe Category:
White Rice
Keywords:
Rice, Black Beans, Beans, Vegetable, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Mexican, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Broil/Grill, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 4 yellow bell peppers
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 6 oz Monterey Jack cheese with peppers (pepper jack), shredded
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 427.3
- Fat: 14.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 18.9mg
- Sodium: 121.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 61.4g
- Fiber: 10.8g
- Sugars: 1.5g
- Protein: 17.4g
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the yellow bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. This will create a hollow cavity for stuffing.
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Boil Peppers: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the prepared peppers into the boiling water, return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes. This step partially cooks the peppers to soften them.
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Prepare Filling: In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the black beans, frozen corn, chopped onion, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender and the spices are fragrant.
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Add Rice: Add the cooked white rice to the skillet with the bean and corn mixture. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a bit more olive oil to keep it moist. Stir everything together and continue to sauté for another 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
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Melt Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded pepper jack cheese until it just starts to melt and coats the rice and vegetable mixture evenly.
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Stuff Peppers: Carefully fill each par-cooked pepper with the rice and vegetable mixture, pressing gently to pack it in. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
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Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded pepper jack cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are heated through.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Peppers: Look for firm, vibrant yellow bell peppers with flat bottoms that will stand upright in the baking dish.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. You can add more chili powder for extra heat or include diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a variation in flavor.
Conclusion:
These stuffed yellow bell peppers are a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Packed with protein from the black beans, sweetness from the corn, and a kick of spice from the pepper jack cheese and seasonings, each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving these peppers as a standalone dish or as part of a larger meal, they are sure to impress with their vibrant colors and delicious taste. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this Tex-Mex inspired creation!
