Bell peppers are a kitchen favorite for their vibrant colors, crisp texture, and sweet flavor. Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, sautéed, or stuffed, they add a nutritious boost and a pop of color to any meal. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, bell peppers are a healthy ingredient you can use year-round.
In this article, we’ll share 5 delicious bell pepper recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Each recipe is simple, flavorful, and showcases the versatility of bell peppers in the kitchen.
1. Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a comforting, all-in-one meal. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce inside tender bell peppers for a hearty dish that’s loved by the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds cleaned
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm with a side salad.
Tip: You can swap rice with quinoa for a healthier twist.
2. Bell Pepper and Chicken Stir-Fry
Quick, colorful, and packed with protein, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights. The crisp bell peppers and tender chicken are coated in a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken strips and cook until no longer pink.
- Toss in bell peppers and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, then pour in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Stir well and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
3. Roasted Bell Pepper Soup
This creamy and rich roasted bell pepper soup is perfect for cozy nights. Roasting the peppers brings out their natural sweetness, making this soup both comforting and gourmet.
Ingredients:
- 5 large red bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bell peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet, along with garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes until the skins are charred.
- Remove skins from the peppers once cooled slightly.
- In a large pot, sauté onion in a little olive oil until softened. Add roasted peppers, garlic, and vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Stir in cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve with crusty bread.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
4. Bell Pepper and Feta Salad
This fresh and tangy salad is perfect for summer. The sweetness of the bell peppers pairs beautifully with the salty feta and zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
- 3 bell peppers (yellow, red, orange), sliced into thin strips
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine bell peppers, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss well.
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving.
Tip: Add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean touch.
5. Bell Pepper and Egg Breakfast Skillet
This easy breakfast dish is colorful, nutritious, and ready in just 15 minutes. The bell peppers add sweetness and crunch to fluffy scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring gently until eggs are set.
- Top with cheese or parsley before serving.
Tip: Serve with toast or breakfast potatoes for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love These Bell Pepper Recipes
- Versatility: Bell peppers work well in salads, soups, stir-fries, and baked dishes.
- Nutrition: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, they boost your immune system and support overall health.
- Colorful Appeal: The mix of red, yellow, orange, and green peppers makes every dish visually stunning.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, sweet flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Final Thoughts
With these 5 bell pepper recipes, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this vibrant vegetable. From hearty stuffed peppers to light salads and comforting soups, there’s something here for every craving and occasion. Next time you see a rainbow of bell peppers at the market, grab a few and try one of these delicious ideas — your taste buds will thank you.