Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

This vegan stuffed peppers recipe is quick and easy, and helps you use up anything and everything in your fridge! Filled with plant-based proteins, grains and vegetables, it’s affordable and takes seconds to prep. 

When it comes to satisfying vegan main dishes, I love to incorporate smoky, earthy proteins like seitan. This comes in perfectly when making things like dirty rice and, of course, these wonderful vegan stuffed peppers!

Why you’ll love this stuffed peppers recipe

• Flavorful and healthy. Stuffed peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins! They taste great and are a nutrient-packed meal!
• Customizable. You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, making it easy to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. They’re also a great way to use up leftovers in the fridge!
• Easy preparation: These are simple and easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients needed

• Onions. Gives flavor to the filling mixture. Be sure to slice your onions finely, to ensure they cook evenly.
• Vegan ground beef. Any vegan beef substitute can be used, but I prefer using the minced/ground variety.
• Cooked rice. Basmati, jasmine or brown rice are all great options! Either make it from scratch or use a shortcut and make microwave rice.
• Crushed tomatoes. Also known as diced or canned tomatoes. Use ones with no added sugar in them.
• Garlic and onion powder. Some additional savory aromatics.
• Salt and black pepper. To taste.
• Bell peppers. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Scoop out the innards so they are ready to be filled.
• Vegan cheese. Optional, but fabulous to sprinkle over the top before baking! I prefer vegan parmesan cheese.

How do you make vegan stuffed bell peppers?

Step 1 – Prepare the filling. Place an oiled non-stick large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and saute for a minute, before adding the vegan ground beef. Pan fry for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink. Add the cooked rice, followed by the crushed tomatoes, then the spices. Stir fry everything together for 5-6 minutes.

Step 2 – Stuff the peppers. Now, place the bell peppers into a greased baking dish. Distribute the filling evenly amongst the bell peppers and sprinkle with vegan parmesan on top.

Step 3 – Bake until tender. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden on top and the peppers are nice and tender. Serve immediately.

Recipe tips and flavor variations

Select the right peppers. Choose firm and fresh bell peppers with a vibrant color. Red, orange, and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a milder flavor. The size should be uniform for even cooking.

Try different proteins and veggies. Swap out the vegan ground beef with sliced vegan chicken or beef. Legumes are also a delicious way to increase this dish’s protein count. Adding mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant can also be a great way to modify this dish.

Season the filling generously. Fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics are the key to this dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations to suit your taste. Throw in some parsley, basil and Italian seasoning or for a Mexican kick you could try some cumin, cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. You can also make your own taco seasoning to compliment your peppers.

Storage instructions

To store: Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

To freeze: Wrap the peppers in foil and place in a large container. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven for 10 minutes.

What to serve with stuffed peppers

• Hasselback potatoes
• Roasted brussels sprouts with garlic
• Lemon orzo salad with chickpeas
• Black bean and corn salad

Frequently asked questions

Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

These vegan stuffed peppers are a quick and easy dish that uses up anything and everything! Filled with vegan ground beef and leftover rice, it's affordable and takes seconds to prep. 

4.46 from 11 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 195 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 lb vegan ground beef or vegan crumbles
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 lb can crushed tomatoes 425 grams
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 large bell peppers with innards scooped out
• 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a small baking dish and set aside.
• In a non-stick pan, add some olive oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onions and fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the vegan ground beef crumbles and cook until no longer pink. Add the tomatoes, cooked rice, and spices, and stir fry for 4-5 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and distribute the mixture amongst the four bell peppers.
• Place the filled bell peppers into the baking dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake the bell peppers for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.

Notes

TO STORE: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week.

TO FREEZE: Place stuffed peppers in a large container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

TO REHEAT: Reheat in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 13gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 590mgPotassium: 424mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 5136IUVitamin C: 212mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Keyword vegan stuffed bell peppers, vegan stuffed peppers

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!