More Tasty Bell Pepper Recipes

Bell peppers are a versatile and colorful vegetable that can brighten up many dishes. They come in different hues like red, yellow, green, and orange, each with its own unique flavor profile. Bell peppers are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and nutrients.

You can use bell peppers in a wide range of recipes, from salads and stir-fries to stuffed peppers and fajitas. These recipes can be quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Whether you prefer them raw, roasted, or cooked into your favorite meals, bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant taste to your cooking.

1. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that’s easy to make and delicious. You start by cutting the tops off peppers and removing the seeds.

For the filling, cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and spices. Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and cheese.

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the hollowed peppers. Place them in a baking dish and cook in the oven until the peppers are tender.

This versatile recipe can be customized to your tastes. Try using different meats, grains, or even going vegetarian with beans and veggies.

Stuffed peppers make a great meal on their own or as a side dish. They’re perfect for meal prep too.

2. Bell Pepper Soup

Bell pepper soup is a tasty way to enjoy these colorful veggies. To make it, start by roasting bell peppers in the oven until tender.

While they cook, sauté onions and garlic in a pot. Add vegetable broth and spices like thyme or basil for extra flavor.

Once the peppers are done, remove the skins and blend them with the broth mixture. Heat the soup through and adjust seasonings to your taste.

You can make this soup creamy by adding a splash of milk or cream. For protein, try adding cooked ground beef or vegetarian crumbles.

3. Bell Pepper Stir Fry

Bell pepper stir fry is a quick and tasty dish you can easily make at home. Start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they become translucent.

Next, toss in your bell peppers. You can use red, yellow, or green peppers for variety. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until the peppers are crisp-tender.

For extra flavor, add minced garlic and ginger. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Soy sauce or oyster sauce can give your stir fry an Asian-inspired twist.

You can also add protein like chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal. Serve your bell pepper stir fry hot over rice or noodles.

4. Bell Pepper Fajitas

Bell pepper fajitas are a tasty and colorful dish you can easily make at home. Slice bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil.

Cook the peppers and onions until they start to soften and get slightly charred. Add your choice of protein like chicken, steak, or shrimp. Season with fajita spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic.

Serve your sizzling fajitas in warm tortillas. Add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or cheese if you like. This quick meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

5. Bell Pepper Salad

Bell pepper salad is a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for summer. You can make it with colorful bell peppers and onions. Add a tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

This salad is quick and easy to prepare. You can use mini sweet peppers or regular-sized ones. Some recipes include oranges or lemon juice to balance the peppers’ sweetness.

For more variety, try adding olives and dill. A lemon vinaigrette works well with this combination. The result is a crunchy, flavorful, and vibrant salad.

You can serve this versatile dish as a refreshing side. It pairs nicely with many main courses.

6. Grilled Bell Peppers

Grilled bell peppers are a tasty and easy side dish. To make them, cut peppers into quarters and remove the seeds. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F. Place the peppers directly on the grates or use a grill basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or lemon zest before grilling. You can also mix the peppers with onions for variety. The result is sweet, smoky peppers that go well with many meals.

7. Roasted Bell Peppers

Roasted bell peppers are a tasty and versatile dish. To make them, cut peppers into quarters and remove the seeds. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano over the peppers. Roast in a 450°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until the skin blisters and chars.

After roasting, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover tightly. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen the skin for easy peeling.

You can serve roasted peppers warm or cold. They’re great in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

8. Bell Pepper Pasta

Bell pepper pasta is a tasty and colorful dish. You can make it with roasted red peppers or fresh bell peppers of any color.

To make this dish, cook your favorite pasta. While it’s cooking, sauté sliced bell peppers with onions and garlic in olive oil.

For a creamy version, blend roasted red peppers with olive oil, garlic, and cream. Toss this sauce with your cooked pasta.

You can add other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. For extra protein, mix in some cooked chicken.

This versatile recipe works well with many pasta shapes. Try penne, shells, or even spaghetti.

9. Bell Pepper Pizza

Bell pepper pizza is a tasty low-carb twist on traditional pizza. You can make it by cutting bell peppers into flat pieces and using them as the “crust”.

Top the pepper slices with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Popular choices include turkey, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the topped pepper slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts.

This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a family dinner. You can customize each pepper slice with different toppings to please everyone’s tastes.

10. Bell Pepper Casserole

Bell pepper casserole is a tasty, easy dish you can make for dinner. It combines the flavors of bell peppers with ground beef and rice.

To make it, start by cooking ground beef with onions and garlic. Add diced bell peppers and cook until soft.

Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and spices like chili powder and cumin. Pour everything into a baking dish.

Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly. This casserole is filling and packed with veggies.

You can customize it by using different colored peppers or swapping the beef for turkey. It’s a great way to use up extra peppers from your garden.

11. Bell Pepper Omelette

A bell pepper omelette is a tasty and protein-packed meal you can enjoy any time of day. To make one, start by beating eggs in a bowl.

Chop some colorful bell peppers and onions. Sauté them in a pan until softened. Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables and cook until set.

Add cheese if you like for extra flavor. Fold the omelette in half and serve hot. You can customize it with other veggies or meats too.

This simple dish is quick to make and full of nutrients. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or light dinner.

12. Bell Pepper Tacos

Bell pepper tacos are a tasty low-carb twist on traditional tacos. To make them, slice bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.

Roast the peppers in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender. While they bake, cook your choice of protein like ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning.

Fill the pepper halves with the seasoned meat and your favorite taco toppings. Try cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.

These colorful “taco shells” are packed with vitamins and add a fresh crunch to your meal. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or fun party food.

13. Bell Pepper Quiche

Bell pepper quiche is a tasty dish that combines eggs, cheese, and colorful peppers. You can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To prepare, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Pour them into a pie crust. Mix eggs, milk, and cheese in a bowl. Add herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.

Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the crust. Bake until set, about 40-45 minutes. The result is a creamy, savory quiche with sweet pops of bell pepper.

You can customize your quiche by using different cheeses or adding other veggies. Try spinach or mushrooms for variety. Serve warm with a side salad for a complete meal.

14. Bell Pepper Relish

Bell pepper relish is a tasty condiment you can make at home. It combines chopped bell peppers with onions, sugar, vinegar, and spices.

To make it, grind or finely chop the peppers and onions. Mix them with sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed. Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes until it thickens.

You can can the relish for long-term storage. Use sterilized jars and leave 1/2 inch of headspace when filling. Process the jars in a boiling water bath to seal them properly.

Bell pepper relish adds zesty flavor to sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. You can also use it as a tangy topping for grilled meats or vegetables.

15. Bell Pepper Hummus

Bell pepper hummus is a tasty twist on classic hummus. You can make it with roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor.

To make it, blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and roasted red peppers. Add spices like paprika or cumin for extra flavor. Some recipes include jalapeño for a spicy kick.

This dip is creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein. It’s great with pita chips or fresh veggies. You can easily make it at home for a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.

Try different bell pepper colors for variety. Red gives a sweet taste, while yellow or orange add a milder pepper flavor.

16. Bell Pepper and Chicken Skewers

Bell pepper and chicken skewers are a tasty and colorful dish you can easily make at home. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and chop bell peppers into 2-inch squares.

Make a marinade with olive oil, garlic, salt, cumin, and smoked paprika. Let the chicken soak in this mix for 1-3 hours.

Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion chunks onto skewers. Grill for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.

Brush extra marinade on the skewers while cooking. The result is juicy chicken and tender peppers with a smoky flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Bell Peppers

Bell peppers pack a powerful nutritional punch. They offer many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health.

Vitamins and Minerals

Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. One medium red bell pepper has over 200% of your daily vitamin C needs. This helps your immune system and skin health.

Bell peppers also contain vitamin A. This nutrient supports your eye health and vision. A medium red bell pepper provides about 30% of the recommended daily amount for women.

These peppers are low in calories but high in fiber. One cup of chopped raw bell pepper has only 31 calories and 2.5 grams of fiber. This can help you feel full and support digestive health.

Bell peppers also offer:

• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Vitamin K
• Potassium

Antioxidant Properties

Bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants. These compounds protect your cells from damage.

Red bell peppers have the most antioxidants. They contain:

• Beta-carotene
• Capsanthin
• Quercetin

These antioxidants may help reduce inflammation in your body. They could lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

Bell peppers also have lycopene. This antioxidant gives red peppers their color. It may help protect against sun damage and certain types of cancer.

Different colored peppers offer unique antioxidants. Eating a variety of colors can provide a wide range of health benefits.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Bell Peppers

Picking the best bell peppers and keeping them fresh is key to enjoying their crisp texture and sweet flavor. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your peppers.

Choosing the Right Bell Peppers

Look for peppers with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid ones with wrinkles, soft spots, or blemishes. A fresh pepper should feel firm and heavy for its size. The stem should be green and look fresh, not dry or moldy.

Choose peppers based on your color preference and recipe needs. Green peppers are less sweet and slightly bitter. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and contain more nutrients.

For the most flavor, pick peppers that feel dense. Hollow-sounding peppers may be past their prime. Smell the pepper near the stem – it should have a fresh, slightly sweet scent.

Proper Storage Techniques

Store whole bell peppers in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Place them in a plastic bag with a few small holes for air flow. This keeps them fresh for about a week.

Don’t wash peppers before storing. The extra moisture can lead to faster spoiling. Only rinse them right before you plan to use them.

Cut peppers last 2-3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Change the paper towels if they get damp.

For longer storage, freeze bell peppers. Slice or chop them, spread on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen peppers keep for several months.