Plant Based Dinner: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice
Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice
These Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty, nutritious, and colorful plant based meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with brown rice, black beans, veggies, and spices, they’re a satisfying plant-based dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. This dinner is a favorite for our family. Enjoy!
Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Stuffed Peppers:
4 large bell peppers (any color), cut in half, tops cut off, and seeds removed
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup Gardein Plant-Based Ground Be'f (or similar plant based beef substitute)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon agave
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon olive oil + a little more for the baking dish
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup vegan cheese shreds or 4 slices (optional)
1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Drizzle a baking dish with olive oil and place the bell peppers in a baking dish, cut side up.
Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes.
Make the Filling:
Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil (such as avocado or olive oil) and allow it to warm up.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Plant-Based Ground Be'f: Add the Gardein Plant-Based Ground Be'f to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned and heated through.
Season the Mixture: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and agave. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly coat the ingredients.
Add Vegetables and Beans: Toss in the black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and let cook for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Incorporate the Rice and Cilantro: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked brown rice, stirring until everything is evenly mixed. Fold in the chopped cilantro, reserving extra for garnish. Let cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and Adjust: Give the mixture a taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
Stuff the Peppers:
Remove the peppers from the oven, the should be soft
Spoon the filling evenly into the bell peppers, pressing down gently to pack them full.
Top with cheese and return to the oven to bake another 15-20 minutes.
Serve:
Top with salsa or pico de gallo and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It:
Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the brown rice, beans, and veggies.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite grains, beans, or veggies to make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers reheat well and make a great lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
These Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice are a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal that combines plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is not only delicious but also supports overall well-being. Let’s break down why it’s such a healthy choice.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy levels. This recipe includes black beans and Gardein Plant-Based Ground Be'f, both of which are excellent sources of plant-based protein. Black beans provide about 15 grams of protein per cup, along with important amino acids and fiber that help keep you full and satisfied. The plant-based ground beef alternative mimics traditional beef in texture and taste but is free from cholesterol and lower in saturated fat.
High in Fiber for Digestive Health
Fiber plays a crucial role in digestion, heart health, and blood sugar regulation. This dish is packed with fiber-rich ingredients like brown rice, black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Brown rice contains 3.5 grams of fiber per cup, supporting gut health and preventing blood sugar spikes. Black beans and corn contribute additional fiber, promoting satiety and digestive regularity.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables for Essential Vitamins
Bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro provide an array of vitamins and antioxidants that support immune function, skin health, and heart health:
Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
Red onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Cilantro is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which contribute to bone health and detoxification.
Heart-Healthy Fats
This recipe includes olive oil, a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Unlike butter or highly processed oils, olive oil contains antioxidants and compounds that may improve cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol-Free
One of the biggest health benefits of this dish is that it’s entirely cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. Unlike traditional stuffed peppers made with ground beef and cheese, this vegan version relies on plant-based protein and vegan cheese, which reduces the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and inflammation.
Balanced Macronutrients for Sustained Energy
This dish provides a balanced ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it a great meal for sustained energy. The complex carbs from brown rice offer slow-digesting energy, preventing blood sugar crashes and keeping you full longer. The protein from black beans and plant-based beef alternative helps with muscle maintenance and satiety, while the healthy fats from olive oil support brain function and hormone production.
No Highly Processed Ingredients
This recipe avoids artificial additives, preservatives, and heavily processed ingredients, making it a wholesome, clean meal. Using fresh or canned tomatoes without added sugar, natural spices, and whole-food ingredients ensures that you’re nourishing your body with real, nutrient-dense food.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice offer a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a nutrient-packed, plant-based meal. With an excellent balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this dish supports heart health, digestion, and sustained energy while being free from cholesterol and unnecessary additives. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or just looking for a wholesome, flavorful meal, these stuffed peppers are a fantastic choice for overall health and well-being.
