If you’re growing green peppers in your garden, you’re likely eager to put them to use in the kitchen. To help inspire you, here are some fresh recipe ideas that showcase the unique flavor of green bell peppers.
One key thing to keep in mind is that green bell peppers are essentially just unripe red bell peppers – they have a more bitter and acidic taste than their sweet counterparts.
Stuffed Pepper Skillet
If you’re a fan of traditional stuffed peppers but struggle with the lengthy cooking time, this efficient recipe is designed specifically for you. You’ll enjoy the same flavors in a fraction of the time – a true win!Rather than filling individual peppers, this recipe combines your pepper goodness into one-pot dish. Cauliflower rice amplifies the lean ground beef mixture, creating a hearty base. A rich tomato sauce brings everything together, while Worcestershire sauce adds an unexpected depth of flavor.The best part? Simply toss all ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat and let the magic unfold. This quick and easy skillet dinner is perfect for a stress-free evening meal.
Spanish Style Chickpea Stew
This hearty chickpea stew is a warming treat on a chilly day, packed with the rich flavors of cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. The convenience of using tinned chickpeas makes it a breeze to prepare, but cooking dried chickpeas can be a rewarding alternative. A pop of color and flavor from tender green bell peppers adds depth to this comforting dish, which pairs beautifully with a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, or served alongside fresh bread for scooping up every last bite.
Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Transforming the classic cheesesteak into a vibrant, flavorful stuffed pepper dish is a game-changer. Ditch the traditional ground beef and rice filling for a more authentic Philadelphia-style twist. Simply fill halved peppers with a savory mixture of tender steak, caramelized onions, pungent garlic, earthy mushrooms, and additional bell peppers. To add a pop of color and whimsy, incorporate yellow and red bell peppers into the recipe. A layer of melted shredded mozzarella cheese provides the perfect creamy contrast to the rich meaty filling. And the best part? This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover ground beef at home, making it a practical and scrumptious meal option.
Cowboy Caviar
Summer’s sweetest delight is undoubtedly cowboy caviar, a refreshingly effortless side dish, salad, or appetizer that requires no cooking at all – simply combine ingredients in a bowl. The delightful crunch of raw veggies in your ‘caviar’ is courtesy of the perfect trio: sweet corn, red onion, and vibrant bell pepper, which harmoniously complement the creamy richness of black-eyed peas and black beans. But it’s the bold flavors that truly bring this dish to life – garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin all working together in perfect symphony.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
Transforming the flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting slow cooker soup, this recipe is a creative twist on a classic dish. The harmonious blend of green and red peppers, ground turkey, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth melds together to create a hearty, warming bowl of goodness. A subtle yet aromatic depth is added by the trio of dried herbs – basil, thyme, and oregano – while those seeking an extra kick can introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added layer of spice.
Beef and Pepper Soup
If you’re looking for a creative way to repurpose leftover beef roast, this hearty bell pepper and tender beef soup is an excellent choice. Its inspiration comes from pepper steak, so if you enjoy that dish, you’ll likely adore this comforting concoction. This warm and filling soup is perfect for colder months when you crave something cozy to soothe your soul.
In addition to the star of the show – tender beef roast – this recipe also features an array of nutritious vegetables, including carrots, sweet onions, and crunchy celery. The sweetness of the green bell peppers adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors. A dash of garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce elevates the dish with their distinct aromas, making for a truly satisfying soup experience.
Bell Pepper Casserole
When you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare after a long day, bell pepper casserole is an excellent choice. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – it can be made with pantry staples and refrigerator ingredients, making it a quick and convenient option for the whole family.The foundation of this flavorful casserole is built around a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. This savory base serves as the perfect backdrop for an assortment of textures, including juicy ground turkey, crunchy green and red bell peppers, pungent sharp onion, and fluffy cooked rice.The pièce de résistance is the melted, golden-brown topping crafted from a blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. As it bubbles and browns in the oven, it adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. This summer casserole recipe has earned its place as a crowd-pleaser.
Bison Stuffed Pepper
Ground bison is a game-changer when it comes to leaner meat options, and when paired with the bold flavors in this stuffed pepper recipe, you’ll be hooked. The real stars of the show are the nutritious veggies packed into the filling – think green peppers, grated carrot and zucchini, and chopped onion for a flavor-filled trifecta. But what really takes it over the top is the addition of garlic and minced rosemary, which add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: a melty cheddar cheese topping that brings everything together. With this recipe, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. And if you’re looking for more ways to get your ground bison on, be sure to check out some of our other mouthwatering recipes!
Paula Deen Gumbo
As winter’s chill sets in, there’s no better remedy than a warm, comforting bowl of Paula Deen Gumbo. The secret to this dish lies in the dark, velvety roux that serves as its foundation. A perfect blend of aromatics – including garlic, onion, green bell pepper, and celery – is achieved by adding these ingredients to the basic roux. This rich gumbo then gets its protein boost from succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and tender chicken. The depth of flavor is further enhanced by the judicious addition of Worcestershire sauce and Better than Bouillon. For those who prefer a little heat in their gumbo, Creole seasoning provides an added layer of spice.
Pepper Steak Stir Fry
This beloved Chinese-American dish is a staple for a quick and easy midweek meal that requires minimal ingredients. In fact, you might already have most of what you need on hand! The foundation of this stir-fry lies in the tender beef, crunchy peppers, sweet onions, and juicy tomatoes. To bring it all together, simply combine these main ingredients with a savory sauce made from soy, brown sugar, ginger, salt, and pepper. Serve your creation hot over cooked rice – or for a lower-carb twist, try pairing it with cauliflower rice.
Greek Orzo Salad
For warm weather gatherings, this vibrant summer salad is a crowd-pleaser. The subtle texture of orzo, reminiscent of long-grain rice, makes it an excellent addition to pasta salads. Greek-inspired flavors take center stage, with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, green bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes combining in perfect harmony. To bring the dish together, a zesty dressing featuring white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and aromatic dried herbs like oregano or thyme is essential. And let’s not forget the richness provided by a high-quality extra virgin olive oil – a must-have for any salad looking to impress.
Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
Unleash the excitement in your meal with unstuffed pepper pasta, a creative twist on traditional stuffed peppers. This one-pot wonder combines the flavors of a classic stuffed pepper recipe with the simplicity and convenience of a single cooking vessel.
The star of this show is undoubtedly the green pepper, which provides a crunchy texture and pop of color to the dish. A medley of complementary flavors comes from sweet onion, pungent garlic, Italian seasoning, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and savory beef broth, all of which meld together in perfect harmony.
To bring this dish to life, use a small pasta that holds onto the flavorful sauce nicely. And of course, no unstuffed pepper pasta would be complete without a generous sprinkle of melted cheese, added just before serving for an extra burst of flavor and indulgence.
Tofu Bell Pepper Stir Fry
The harmonious union of tofu and bell peppers is a culinary delight for vegetarians. This Asian-inspired stir-fry showcases the perfect blend of these two ingredients, bursting with savory aromas. The trifecta of soy, hoisin, and sesame oil, along with chili flakes, creates an irresistible fragrance that will leave you craving more. Meanwhile, garlic, ginger, and onion add depth and balance to the dish’s flavor profile. Serve this mouth-watering stir-fry atop fluffy rice and finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Croatian Lamb Peka
Lamb Peka, a quintessential Dalmatian coast culinary delight from Croatia, is being reimagined for the modern kitchen through this adapted recipe. Gone are the traditional outdoor fireplaces, replaced by the warmth and convenience of your oven. This delectable dish combines tender lamb with a colorful medley of wholesome vegetables – think zucchini, carrot, green pepper, eggplant, red onion, and small potatoes – each bite a testament to the harmonious balance of flavors. The aromatic trifecta of garlic, sundried tomato puree, and an abundance of olive oil brings forth an unmistakable mouthwatering quality, while fresh herbs infuse the dish with an irresistible essence. And for that added je ne sais quoi, a splash of white wine lends this Peka its adult-only sophistication.
Bell Pepper Fried Rice
In the world of South Indian cuisine, bell pepper fried rice is a flavorful staple that can be prepared in just one cooking pot using minimal ingredients. The dish takes its cue from the bold and aromatic spices used in traditional Indian cooking.
To make this spicy delight, you’ll need only a few key components: sautéed onions and green peas, crunchy bell peppers, and of course, curry powder to bring out the authentic Indian flavor. The addition of cumin seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cilantro further amplifies the sensory experience.
This satisfying dish is often served alongside a cooling raita, tangy pickle, or creamy coconut chutney, making it an excellent accompaniment to any meal.
Vegan Kung Pao
Kung Pao is a beloved Chinese dish renowned for its bold flavors, speed of preparation, and ease of cooking. To create a delectable vegan version, one can rely on the humble soya chunk to absorb the rich and savory flavors. The foundation of this culinary masterpiece lies in crafting a flavorful Kung Pao sauce, which requires a harmonious blend of robust elements such as ground ginger, rice wine and vinegar, dark and light soy sauce, and hoisin. As you delight in this vegan Kung Pao, be sure to accompany it with the freshness of scallions, the crunch of cashew nuts, and the comfort of tender cooked rice.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed pepper casserole is a delightful spin on a classic family recipe. Simply cook pepper halves alongside wholesome quinoa, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish. The peppers are then stuffed with savory Italian sausage and topped with shredded Italian cheese, adding a rich layer of flavor. To tie everything together, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, basil, and oregano surround the peppers, allowing the quinoa to cook until tender. As if that weren’t enough, the entire dish is capped off with a melted, cheesy topping that’s sure to have everyone going back for seconds.
Chicken Balti Curry
For a memorable curry night, consider serving up a delicious chicken Balti curry. The combination of juicy chicken, tender peppers, and rich Balti sauce is sure to impress. Serve it alongside fluffy rice, crispy naan bread, onion bhajis, and a side of sweet mango chutney, and let everyone indulge in the flavorful feast. The foundation of your Balti sauce is built on a base of sautéed onions, garlic, chili peppers, tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika – a blend that adds depth and warmth to the dish. Meanwhile, the chicken and peppers are cooked separately with curry powder before being added to the flavorful sauce, allowing each component to shine in its own right.
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Savory union takes center stage as red beans harmonize with cooked sausage, bell pepper, and onion in this richly flavored dish. The perfect cold-weather companion, it’s a hearty meal that warms the soul.
Cajun seasoning, liquid smoke, and chipotle Tabasco join forces to infuse a bold, smoky heat. Serve with fluffy white rice and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a truly satisfying experience.
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
A refreshing summer pasta salad is perfect for potlucks or barbecues, thanks to its light and zesty vinaigrette dressing that harmonizes the flavors of fresh vegetables and pasta. To create this delightful dish, you’ll want to incorporate a vibrant mix of colorful veggies like summer squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and corn. The secret to bringing out their natural sweetness lies in combining them with a homemade dressing made with red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning.
Tofu Fajitas with Onions and Peppers
For a satisfying Meatless Monday dinner, tofu fajitas are an excellent option. The mild flavor of tofu allows it to absorb the rich flavors of your chosen fajita seasoning, complemented perfectly by the crunchy peppers. This dish is best paired with warm tortillas and a selection of traditional Mexican sides, such as creamy avocado, melted cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Slow Cooker Turkey Vegetable Chili
This hearty turkey vegetable chili is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an impressive array of healthy ingredients. A clever substitution for traditional ground beef, ground turkey pairs delightfully with green pepper, adding depth and complexity to the dish. To bring this comforting meal together, you’ll need canned tomatoes, yellow corn, onion, and zucchini – a colorful medley that’s sure to please. The spice rack also gets a workout, thanks to chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed red pepper, and cayenne, which conspire to create a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced. And if you’re looking for more family-friendly ground turkey recipes to serve up at dinner time, you’re in luck – there are plenty of tasty options waiting to be explored!
Vegan Sloppy Joes
The magic happens when lentils are cooked in a vibrant tomato sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. The resulting texture is remarkably similar to ground beef, making it an excellent substitute for those looking to mix things up. This nostalgic dish will transport you back to your childhood days, evoking memories of comfort food at its finest.
The foundation of this sloppy joe’s sauce lies in the harmonious blend of green peppers and bold flavors like smoked paprika, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of Frank’s Red Hot. The combination is nothing short of addictive.
To fully experience the delightfulness of these sloppy joes, serve them inside a soft, fluffy kaiser bun that provides a perfect vessel for sopping up every last drop of sauce.
Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf
A creative twist on two beloved comfort foods, this straightforward meatloaf recipe combines the essence of stuffed peppers in a single, satisfying dish. The mixture of instant rice, sautéed onions and garlic, and bouillon-rich ground beef forms the base, while a tangy tomato-garlic topping is nestled among sliced green peppers. Cooking the ingredients together yields a effortless, flavorful meal.
Shrimp and Grits
A comforting meal that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies is shrimp and grits – a dish that derives its rich flavor from a trifecta of delights: succulent large shrimp, the bold taste of Cajun vegetables, and the creamy indulgence of Gouda cheese. The foundation of this hearty meal lies in the velvety grits, crafted with a trio of luxurious ingredients: heavy cream, shredded Gouda, and butter. Meanwhile, the sauce is built upon a colorful medley of bell pepper, celery, onion, tomatoes, and herbs, providing a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish. To elevate the flavors even further, a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder adds a satisfying kick to the shrimp and grits, making it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Green Pepper Salad with Tomatoes
One of the simplest yet most delightful salads you’ll ever prepare is this green pepper delight. The recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, making it an ideal option for busy days or unexpected gatherings.
The combination of succulent ripe tomatoes, pungent green olives, and crunchy green bell peppers creates a flavorful foundation. To elevate the dish, fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, while high-quality olive oil and red wine vinegar strike a perfect balance between the other ingredients.
Sweet and Sour Pork Kabobs
Pineapple’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavor of juicy pork in these vibrant summer kabobs. The combination is a match made in heaven! To add some crunch and variety, crunchy carrots, bell peppers, and red onion are also included. To bring everything together, a sweet and tangy sauce is created to glaze the fresh ingredients before grilling until caramelized and cooked through.
