With a bounty of bell peppers in your garden or on your counter, it’s only natural to wonder what to do with them. The good news is that these vibrant vegetables are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. In this collection of 16 recipes, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your bell pepper harvest.
From classic stuffed peppers to international-inspired dishes like Cuban black beans and Panzanella, there’s something for everyone. And with their sweet flavor and pop of color, it’s no wonder that bell peppers are a staple in many kitchens around the world.
Sausage and Peppers
One of our go-to green bell pepper recipes is the effortless combination of easy sausage and peppers. But don’t be limited to just green – red and yellow bell peppers can also elevate this dish to new heights. What’s more, this weeknight staple boasts a level of sophistication that makes it suitable for serving to guests. With its lightning-fast cooking time, you can easily serve sausage and peppers hot out of the oven as a standalone meal or get creative by slicing up the ingredients and sandwiching them between slices of cheddar cheese. For added flavor and texture, consider pairing your dish with fluffy basmati or brown rice – both excellent choices to round out this satisfying meal.
Best Vegetarian Chili
When craving a hearty and flavorful dish, look no further than this vibrant vegetarian chili recipe. Gone are the days of thinking chili requires meat; this plant-based twist is a game-changer. The combination of Mexican flavors and an array of vegetables makes for a fantastic Meatless Monday option.The foundation of this chili lies in its medley of veggies: rich tomato sauce, sweet red onion, crunchy red bell pepper, carrots, celery, black beans, diced tomatoes, and creamy pinto beans. For added depth, Italian seasoning brings the perfect blend of herbs. And to make it vegan-friendly or vegetarian, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.This recipe is a testament to the power of plant-based eating, offering a delicious alternative to traditional chili recipes.
Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl
When adhering to a low-carb, paleo, or keto diet, it’s often challenging to find vegetarian options that meet your requirements. This cauliflower rice burrito bowl is an ideal solution for lunch or dinner. The use of any colored bell pepper adds a pop of flavor, but the red variety stands out with its bold taste. The combination of red onion, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice (or lemon) creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Canned black beans infused with cumin and chili powder provide a savory element to the dish. To add an extra layer of excitement, serve the burrito bowl with red or green salsa, topped with fresh cilantro, diced tomato, and perhaps some cooked chicken for added protein.
Ultimate Rainbow Vegetable Sandwich
We’re absolutely smitten with red bell peppers and yellow bell peppers because they offer endless opportunities to create mouthwatering dishes like this vibrant sandwich. This stunning – and nutritious – sandwich is a symphony of colors, featuring an array of vibrant veggies including red cabbage, radishes, sliced ripe tomato, crunchy carrots, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, refreshing cucumber slices, nutty alfalfa sprouts, and more. We’re completely enamored with this delectable sandwich! What’s equally impressive is the tangy cream cheese infused with herbs and spices. To make it truly special, we recommend using a sturdy bread that can support the weight of all these flavorful ingredients.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers are a nutrient-dense food, rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin B. By combining them with quinoa, you can create a game-changing recipe for stuffed bell peppers. Quinoa, a wholesome grain, is an excellent source of plant-based protein. When paired with the bell pepper’s robust flavor and nutritional profile, this dish becomes a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for Meatless Monday. The addition of black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and corn adds a pop of color and flavor, making it a truly satisfying experience. A blend of onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cilantro for garnish brings everything together. Serve the quinoa-stuffed peppers with crusty bread and a fresh green salad to create a meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
Cuban Black Beans Recipe
Savor the flavors of Cuba with this effortless recipe for quick and easy black beans. A flavorful blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers serves as the foundation, while canned black beans simplify the cooking process. The dish is brought to life by a carefully curated selection of seasonings, including cumin, oregano, black pepper, garlic, and salt. White vinegar adds a tangy touch, and optional additions like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar provide further depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes injects a burst of fiery flavor. Serve these Cuban black beans over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.
Panzanella
Panzanella, a quintessential Italian salad, is an ideal choice when you’re craving a light and refreshing meal. The dish gets its name from the star of the show: crispy leftover bread cubes, also known as croutons, which are soaked in a tangy dressing. This flavorful foundation is then elevated by the addition of red onion, cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant medley of bell peppers – think red, yellow, and green varieties. The sweetness of the bell peppers perfectly complements the salad’s other components. In this recipe, pickled onions, torn fresh basil leaves, curly kale, sherry vinegar (or its balsamic counterpart), and creamy mozzarella cheese all come together to create a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Sheet Pan Veggie Fajitas
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot more exciting! By substituting traditional meat-based fajitas with a vibrant mix of vegetables, you can add some much-needed variety to this beloved meal tradition. Imagine combining the best of Meatless Monday and Taco Tuesday – what’s not to love about that? For veggie lovers of Mexican cuisine, these flavorful fajitas are a dream come true. A medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, red onion, and mushrooms create a stunning dish that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates. To bring this culinary masterpiece to life, you’ll need a homemade fajita mix or taco seasoning blend featuring chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano. Serve your veggie fajitas with warm tortillas, tangy salsa, creamy sour cream, and rich guacamole for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience.
Classic Stuffed Peppers
While classic stuffed peppers made with ground beef are a staple, we’re just as fond of variations that incorporate different colored bell peppers. The visual appeal is undeniable! Among the creative recipes on this list, however, our focus is on the timeless classic. This particular version features long-grain white rice, but feel free to substitute it with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. The lean ground beef brings a wealth of flavor and protein, making it an excellent choice. If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider swapping it out for ground turkey or chicken instead. As for the Worcestershire sauce, it’s a traditional component in classic stuffed pepper recipes – don’t skip it! For a melty, gooey topping, opt for mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, American cheese, or cheddar cheese.
Shakshuka with White Beans and Feta Cheese
Shakshuka is a beloved dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and we’re no exception – it’s one of our favorite bell pepper recipes. The magic happens when eggs are poached in a tangy tomato sauce, then topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh herbs. What sets this recipe apart is the boost of protein from white beans – cannellini or great northern work beautifully. Feta cheese takes center stage, adding a salty depth to the dish, while sautéed onion and four cloves of garlic create an aromatic flavor profile. A trifecta of spices – smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin – adds warmth and complexity. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley provides a bright, pop of color. This hearty recipe is a true showstopper.
Healthy Pizza with Peppers
The concept of using bell pepper halves to craft individual pizzas is nothing short of genius. Not only do these bite-sized treats make for an excellent appetizer, but they also serve as a satisfying and healthy option for a light lunch or dinner. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no more than 30 minutes from start to finish. The absence of traditional pizza crust is a bonus in itself, making this a low-carb lover’s dream come true. With the freedom to customize with your preferred toppings, such as shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and black olives, these miniature masterpieces are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Grilled Bell Peppers
When hosting a summer BBQ gathering, consider adding some grilled bell peppers as an excellent side dish option. You’ve already got your grill fired up and hot, making it the perfect opportunity to throw on some bell peppers for a quick and easy accompaniment that can also be repurposed in future recipes throughout the week. For individuals following a low-carb or paleo diet, having a stash of grilled bell peppers on hand is particularly beneficial. Not only do they taste great straight off the grill, but you can also slice up any leftovers, freeze them for later use, and enjoy their versatility as a healthy addition to various meals.
Roasted Bell Peppers
Roasting sweet peppers is a passion of ours, as it unlocks their inherent flavor potential. The resulting oven-roasted peppers are a culinary treasure trove, waiting to be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Their smoky sweetness makes them an irresistible side dish on their own, and once you’ve got some roasted bell peppers at your disposal, the possibilities become endless.
When it comes to roasting sweet peppers, the key is to experiment with different colors, including red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers. To bring out the best in these vegetables, all you need are a few simple ingredients: peppers, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Mexican-Style Pinwheels
Making tortilla pinwheels is a delightful experience, especially with the vibrant Mexican flavors this recipe offers. The versatility of using various types of tortillas, such as low-carb or spinach options, allows for creative freedom. A medley of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers contributes to the dish’s radiant appearance. The creamy combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese provides an abundance of flavor and protein. To further enhance the taste, a pinch of chili powder serves as the perfect seasoning. Black beans add another layer of complexity and nutritional value. These pinwheels can be prepared up to two days in advance, with the option to leave them intact and slice just before serving.
Best Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking for a versatile green pepper recipe that can serve as both an impressive side dish and a satisfying vegetarian main course, this mouthwatering creation will be your savior. This colorful medley features an assortment of vibrant vegetables, including zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, asparagus, onion, and mushrooms. The harmonious blend is elevated by the rich flavors of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of simplicity from freshly ground black pepper and sea salt. To prepare this delightful dish, start by thoroughly washing your vegetables in a colander, then cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Next, roast the veggies in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the natural sweetness to unfold.
Sauteed Peppers and Onions
When it comes to versatile ingredients that can elevate various dishes, we’re big fans of sautéed bell peppers and onions. Not only do they make a fantastic addition to many meals, but they also double as a tasty topping for fajitas, tacos, burrito bowls, and more. What’s more, this recipe naturally caters to a range of dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, low-carb, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and Whole30. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare.
To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients: a large sweet yellow onion, as well as red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Once you’ve got your veggies sliced up, simply sauté them in olive oil for maximum flavor.
How to Cut Bell Peppers
When it comes to cutting bell peppers, the approach largely depends on your intended use. You might need rings for a salad or chopped and diced pieces for various recipes. The most fundamental method involves several simple steps.
Begin by slicing the bell pepper straight down the middle with a large chef’s knife, creating four equal sections. Leave the ribs and seeds intact in the center.
Next, slice off the top and bottom of each section to create a flat surface.
Remove the stem from each piece and lay them on their side with the skin facing down.
Cut each bell pepper into thin slices, which can be further cut into square pieces by turning sideways. This technique allows for precise chopping and is particularly useful when you need uniform diced peppers.
For another creative way to prepare delicious stuffed peppers, explore the New Orleans Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe featured in the accompanying video.
Final Words
These recipes are a surefire way to bring everyone together. Invite your loved ones over and experience the joy of cooking and sharing a meal. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us!