Black Bean Stuffed Peppers (Print Version)

Bell peppers packed with black beans, rice, and spices for a hearty, colorful vegetarian dish.

# Components:

→ Peppers

01 - 4 large orange or yellow bell peppers

→ Filling

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup cooked brown rice
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping if desired
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 375°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Slice off the tops of each bell pepper, remove seeds and membranes, and carefully carve jack-o'-lantern faces into the sides using a paring knife.
03 - Place peppers upright in a baking dish.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
05 - Stir in cooked brown rice, black beans, corn kernels, drained diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and blend in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro, if using.
07 - Spoon black bean mixture into each pepper, gently pressing to pack. Top with extra cheese if desired.
08 - Replace pepper tops. Add a splash of water to the base of the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
09 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is fully melted.
10 - Present stuffed peppers warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses inexpensive pantry ingredients so you can shop your own shelves for most of the filling
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten free so everyone at the table can enjoy
  • Easily customized with your favorite veggies or toppings
  • Perfect for making ahead and leftovers taste just as great
02 -
  • Packed with protein and fiber from beans and rice
  • Fits vegetarian and gluten free diets with absolutely no fuss
  • Easily doubles or triples if you are hosting a crowd
  • It is the smoked paprika that gives the filling unforgettable depth and just a hint of campfire aroma
03 -
  • Always look for wide sturdy bell peppers they are the easiest to carve and fill
  • For extra flavor do not skip sautéing the onions slowly and make sure to use good quality smoked paprika
  • If you find your peppers are tipping over in the dish try trimming a thin slice from the bottom to help them stand upright

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