Bell peppers filled with a savory mix of rice, beans, cheese, and spices, baked to tender perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bell Peppers
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
→ Filling Base
02 - 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
03 - 1 cup cooked black beans or kidney beans, or 8.8 oz ground beef, turkey, or chicken
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium tomato, diced, or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen
08 - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), plus extra for topping
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes (optional)
14 - Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
15 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
16 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Arrange peppers upright in a lightly greased baking dish.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - If using ground meat, add it now and cook while breaking apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Add cooked rice, beans (if used), diced tomato, corn kernels, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and mix in shredded cheese until evenly combined.
07 - Spoon the filling mixture into prepared bell peppers, pressing gently to fill completely. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
08 - Pour 1/2 cup water or broth into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam during baking.
09 - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.
