15 Bell Peppers Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals
Bell peppers are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and color to various dishes. There are endless bell pepper recipes to explore, whether you want to stuff, grill, or roast them. They are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them a great addition to your meals.
Incorporating bell peppers into your cooking can enhance the taste and visual appeal of your dishes. From vibrant salads to hearty main courses, these sweet vegetables can be used in many ways to suit your culinary preferences.
1) Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
Stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy meal option. You can make them by filling bell peppers with a tasty mix of quinoa, black beans, and spices. This dish is packed with protein and fiber.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. You can microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in the oven until they’re just tender.
For the filling, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Spoon this mixture into the peppers and place them in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes to warm everything through.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Spices of your choice (like cumin or paprika)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Microwave the peppers for 3-4 minutes or bake until tender.
- Mix quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and spices in a bowl.
- Stuff the peppers with the filling.
- Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
2) Roasted Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup
Roasted bell pepper and tomato soup is a warm and comforting dish. The sweet, smoky flavor of roasted peppers pairs well with ripe tomatoes. This soup is perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a hearty meal.
To start, you’ll need to roast your bell peppers and tomatoes until they are tender. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delicious depth of flavor. You can blend them until smooth for a creamy texture.
Add some onions, garlic, and spices to elevate the taste. You might also sprinkle in a bit of cayenne for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
- 3 medium red bell peppers
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cayenne pepper for heat
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the bell peppers and tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
- In a pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft.
- Add the roasted peppers and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Blend until smooth and heat through before serving.
3) Bell Pepper and Chicken Stir-Fry
This bell pepper and chicken stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal. You can use chicken breast or thighs, depending on your preference. Start by cutting your chicken into strips for even cooking.
Next, heat some oil in a pan and brown the chicken pieces. Once they are golden, add sliced bell peppers. Red and green peppers add color and flavor.
For the sauce, mix soy sauce, garlic, and a little sugar. Pour it over the chicken and peppers. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Serve this dish with steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the delicious mix of flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast or thighs
- 2 bell peppers (red and green)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
Cooking Instructions
- Cut chicken into strips.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Brown chicken in the pan.
- Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, garlic, and sugar; pour over chicken and peppers.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve with steamed rice.
4) Spicy Bell Pepper Tacos
Spicy bell pepper tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos. You can make these using your favorite ground meat or a plant-based alternative. The bell peppers add a nice crunch and vibrant color.
Start by seasoning your meat with spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika for an extra kick. You can choose yellow, orange, or green bell peppers—each adds its unique flavor.
Once you’ve cooked your filling, stuff it into the roasted bell pepper halves. Bake them at 400º F (200º C) for about 12 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or meat substitute
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400º F (200º C).
- Cook your chosen meat in a skillet, adding spices.
- Slice bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Stuff cooked meat into the bell pepper halves.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
5) Grilled Bell Pepper and Mozzarella Sandwich
This Grilled Bell Pepper and Mozzarella Sandwich is a tasty and simple meal. You’ll love the combination of fresh bell peppers, gooey mozzarella, and crunchy bread. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Start with fresh bell peppers. You can grill them to bring out their sweet flavor. Layer the grilled peppers with slices of mozzarella cheese on your favorite bread.
A bit of pesto can add extra flavor. Grill the whole sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts. Enjoy it warm for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of pesto
- 2 slices of bread (like ciabatta or sourdough)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Brush the peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the peppers for about 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Spread pesto on the bread slices.
- Add grilled peppers and mozzarella on one slice.
- Place the other slice on top and grill the sandwich until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
6) Bell Pepper Ratatouille
Bell pepper ratatouille is a tasty and colorful dish. It includes a mix of fresh vegetables, making it both healthy and satisfying.
You can use different bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or green, to add variety. The flavors blend well with tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
This dish is great as a side or a main meal. You can even serve it over rice or pasta!
Ingredients
- 2-3 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 onion
- 2-3 tomatoes
- 1 zucchini
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs (like basil or thyme)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Chop the bell peppers, onion, and zucchini.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
- Add the bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for a few minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7) Bell Pepper, Spinach, and Feta Omelette
A bell pepper, spinach, and feta omelette is a tasty and nutritious choice for breakfast or brunch. The combination of fresh vegetables and creamy feta gives it a wonderful flavor.
Start by sautéing chopped bell peppers and spinach in a little olive oil. This will bring out their natural sweetness. Then, whisk some eggs with a splash of water for fluffiness.
Pour the eggs over the veggies in the pan. As it cooks, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. When the edges are set, fold the omelette in half. Serve it warm and enjoy a delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 roasted red bell pepper
- 3/4 cup fresh spinach
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add chopped bell peppers and spinach; sauté until soft.
- Whisk eggs with a little water, salt, and pepper.
- Pour eggs over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top.
- Cook until the edges are set, then fold the omelette.
- Serve immediately.
8) Bell Pepper Pizza with Goat Cheese
Making bell pepper pizza with goat cheese is a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients. You can use a store-bought pizza crust to save time, or make your own if you prefer.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush a bit of olive oil mixed with minced garlic on your crust.
Layer your pizza with spinach leaves first. Next, add sliced mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and red onion slices. Finally, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top.
Bake the pizza in the oven until the crust is crisp and the cheese starts to brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Let it cool a bit, then slice and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Pizza crust
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Fresh spinach
- Sliced mushrooms
- Roasted red peppers
- Sliced red onion
- Goat cheese
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush crust with olive oil and garlic.
- Layer with spinach.
- Add mushrooms, red peppers, and onion.
- Top with goat cheese.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until crisp.
- Slice and serve.
9) Bell Pepper and Chickpea Salad
This Bell Pepper and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and quick meal option. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy days. The combination of colorful bell peppers and protein-rich chickpeas is both nutritious and delicious.
To start, get fresh bell peppers and canned chickpeas. Adding ingredients like cucumber and feta can really elevate the flavors. A simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar ties everything together beautifully.
Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. It’s satisfying, colorful, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced bell peppers, and cucumber.
- If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Enjoy!
10) Bell Pepper Fajitas with Beef
Bell pepper fajitas with beef are a tasty option for dinner. You can easily make them at home using fresh ingredients. The combination of beef, colorful bell peppers, and spices creates a flavorful dish.
Start by marinating the beef for extra flavor. Use ingredients like lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. After marinating, cook the beef with sliced onions and bell peppers in a hot skillet.
Wrap everything in warm tortillas, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) boneless beef sirloin, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate beef in lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for 1 hour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Cook the beef for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add sliced onion and bell peppers; cook until tender.
- Serve in warm tortillas. Enjoy!
11) Colorful Bell Pepper Gazpacho
Colorful bell pepper gazpacho is a refreshing, no-cook soup that’s perfect for warm days. The vibrant colors of yellow, red, and green bell peppers create a feast for the eyes.
Start by blending the bell peppers with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions to get a smooth texture. Add a splash of olive oil and your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
Serve chilled and enjoy this tasty dish as a light lunch or appetizer. The combination of flavors will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 yellow bell peppers, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- In a blender, combine bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, and blend again.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve cold, garnished with fresh herbs.
12) Bell Pepper and Sausage Casserole
This Bell Pepper and Sausage Casserole is a delicious and easy meal. You can use a mix of colorful bell peppers for added flavor and presentation. The savory Italian sausage pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peppers.
Start by cooking the sausage until it’s browned. Then, add diced onions and sliced bell peppers. Let them cook until they are soft.
Stir in some diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned.
- Add onions and bell peppers; cook until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes; season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish; top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
13) Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with Tofu
This bell pepper stir-fry with tofu is a quick and healthy meal. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner. It features colorful bell peppers and flavorful tofu, making it both appealing and nutritious.
Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Then, cut it into cubes.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once hot, toss in the tofu and cook until it is golden brown.
Next, add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for about five minutes. You can include seasonings like ginger and garlic for extra flavor. Finally, serve it warm with rice or noodles!
Ingredients
- Firm tofu
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
- Drain and press the tofu, then cut it into cubes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the tofu and cook until golden brown.
- Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for five minutes.
- Mix in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
14) Creamy Pasta with Roasted Bell Peppers
Creamy pasta with roasted bell peppers is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. It combines the sweetness of bell peppers with a rich and smooth sauce. This meal is perfect for any day of the week.
To start, you will roast your bell peppers until the skin gets charred. This helps bring out their natural flavors.
Once roasted, blend them into a creamy sauce with heavy cream.
Cook your favorite pasta al dente, then combine it with the sauce. You can garnish this dish with fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 8 ounces pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast bell peppers for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Blend roasted peppers with heavy cream until smooth.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
- Combine pasta with the sauce and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish with herbs.
15) Bell Pepper and Avocado Salsa
This Bell Pepper and Avocado Salsa is fresh and delicious. It pairs well with corn chips or can be used as a topping for tacos and burritos. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
Start with ripe avocados and colorful bell peppers. Chop them into small pieces along with some onions and tomatoes for added flavor. You can also add lime juice for a zesty kick.
This salsa is perfect for gatherings or just a snack at home. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this tasty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 bell pepper (any color)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Chop the avocados and bell pepper into small pieces.
- Combine them in a bowl with the tomatoes and onions.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix gently and serve with chips or on tacos.