10 Stuffed Peppers Recipes for Creative Weeknight Dinners
When it comes to cooking dinner during the week, it can be hard to continuously add variety, especially if you're tired from a busy day or are committed to a repertoire of go-to recipes. But be honest: Tried-and-true sheet pan recipes can get boring, and you can only get so creative with stir-fry dishes. So if you're on the hunt for a deliciously filling and healthy meal, bell peppers are a game-changing ingredient. Not only do they add fiber to your dish, but they're also a great source of vitamins C and A. So whether you're craving Mexican or Italian, we rounded up 10 mouthwatering stuffed peppers recipes to get your creative cooking juices going.
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Southwest Quinoa and Spiralized Sweet Potato Stuffed Bell Peppers
If your diet calls for a taco without the tortilla, this veggie-packed recipe is for you. Hearty quinoa and black beans supply muscle-building protein, while sweet potatoes deliver complex carbohydrates to fuel your hectic days. Cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder add a Mexican-inspired kick, so it's filled with the bold Southwestern flavors you love. Serve with some avocado slices on the side for a dose of healthy fats.
Get the recipe from Inspiralized.
Lightened Up Salsa Verde Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
When you roast Poblano peppers, their skin softens and take on a smoky flavor. And because they retain their shape in the heat, they're great for making stuffed recipes. In this flavorful dish, brown rice provides fiber and a nutty taste to balance the smoked paprika-seasoned chicken. Shredded pepper jack cheese adds another layer of spice with sweet peppers, habanero chiles, and jalapenos. Not to mention, it melts just like butter. But if you're afraid of the heat, not to worry—fresh cilantro, avocado, corn tame the spiciness.
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
We love buffalo chicken wings as much as the next person, but they don't exactly have a reputation for being healthy. Fortunately, food blogger Whitney Bond has found a way to transform a major "don't eat" dish into a Whole30-approved recipe.
Chili powder, cumin, and paprika boost the flavor of the ground chicken, while Tabasco buffalo sauce gives it the finger-lickin' flavor you crave. And in case you were wondering, the Tabasco buffalo sauce contains red cayenne pepper, distilled vinegar, salt, and garlic, making it A-ok on the diet. Looking for more ways to cut back on the sweet stuff while you're on Whole30? Grab a copy of The 14-Day No Sugar Diet today — it's filled with healthy swaps and helpful grocery shopping tips.
Get the recipe from WhitneyBond.com.
Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Cajun seasoning makes way for a delicious blend of shrimp and cheese, which can be hard to otherwise combine for good flavor. Manchego and goat cheeses make this healthy dish come out creamy and delicious.
Get the recipe from Chili Pepper Madness.
Red Beans and Rice Stuffed Peppers
While this recipe calls for white rice, you can opt for brown to increase the fiber content of the dish. Add beans and an edible bowl in the form of a bell pepper, and you've got additional healthy carbs to balance the protein in Andouille sausage. A light sprinkle of panko bread crumbs and green onions give it a crunchy finishing touch.
Get the recipe from Spiced.
Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers
The traditional Italian stuffed peppers recipe is often loaded with ground beef, rice, and mozzarella cheese, but this slightly healthier take uses sweet Italian sausage, which is available as chicken sausage. Unlike some prepared tomato sauces that are packed with hidden sugars, this homemade sauce features diced onions, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, and olive oil, so it's just as flavorful without the empty calories. And instead of dashing on a hefty hand of mozzarella, this recipe calls for a light garnish of finely grated asiago cheese.
Get the recipe from Savory Tooth.
Taco Stuffed Peppers
Got Taco Tuesday on your mind? Let these beef "taco" peppers be your new go-to recipe. Filled with perfectly seasoned ground chicken and a refreshing homemade salsa, this low-carb version will fill you up without the white carbs from tortillas. Top the stuffed peppers with avocado instead of cheese to add some healthy fat.
Get the recipe from A Saucy Kitchen.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
Philly cheesesteak for dinner? You bet! When you trade in the Italian sub for a bell pepper shell, you've instantly got a healthier version that's lower in carbs and higher in filling fiber. Instead of thinly sliced ribeye, which is typically used in cheesesteak recipes, this recipe uses ground beef. And to achieve the same gooeyness in the sub, Parmesan and provolone take the place of Cheez Whiz, which is filled with a bunch of processed ingredients.
Get the recipe from Self Proclaimed Foodie.
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Vegans and vegetarians rejoice—this simple yet delicious burrito-inspired recipe was made for you! Fiber-rich black beans, corn, and brown rice will fill you up so you keep hunger and cravings at bay. For a flavorful finish, add lime juice, fresh chopped cilantro, avocado, and extra salsa.
Get the recipe from Delightful Mom Food.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Satisfy your mac and cheese craving with this delicious food combo! Broccoli florets supply fiber and a dose of antioxidants, while long grain rice swaps in for white macaroni. Add a bell pepper bowl to the mix, and voila, a guilt-free yet comforting side.
Get the recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen.