Tender bell peppers filled with a hearty blend of spiced lentils, fluffy rice, and vegetables—baked in a savory tomato broth for a comforting and nutritious plant‑based meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Plant‑powered comfort – Protein‑rich lentils and fiber‑packed rice offer satisfying, plant‑based nutrition.
• Make‑ahead ready – Prep the filling ahead; bake later for effortless weeknight dinners.
• Family‑friendly flavors – Savory, spiced, and meat‑like texture appeals to vegetarians and meat‑lovers alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeded
• ½ cup uncooked basmati rice
• 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• ½ zucchini, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1½ cups tomato sauce
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and zucchini until tender (5–6 minutes).
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, rice, and lentils; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add ½ cup tomato sauce to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
5. Spoon filling into each pepper and stand upright in the baking dish.
6. Mix remaining tomato sauce with vegetable broth and pour around the peppers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10 minutes to brown tops.
8. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6 peppers (generally one per person)
• Prep time: ~30 minutes
• Cook time: ~40 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered
• Total time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegan/cheesy twist: Top with vegan or conventional cheese, then broil until bubbly.
• Grain swap: Substitute quinoa, farro, barley, or couscous for rice.
• Spicy peppers: Use poblanos or jalapeños for extra heat.
• Protein add‑in: Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or vegan meat in the sauté step.
• Mediterranean flavour: Include turmeric, coriander, red‑pepper flakes, or feta cheese.

Storage and reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat:
  • Oven: 350 °F (180 °C) for 15–20 minutes (add a splash of broth if dry).
  • Microwave: 2–3 minutes, stirring once for even heating.

FAQs

What type of lentils should I use?

Use brown or green lentils—they hold their shape well. Red lentils can become mushy.

Can I use canned lentils?

Yes, canned lentils are great for saving time. Just drain and rinse before using.

Do I need to pre‑cook the rice?

No, uncooked rice works fine—it cooks in the pan and finishes in the oven. You can partially pre‑cook if preferred.

How can I prep ahead?

Prepare filling and stuff peppers up to a day before. Cover and refrigerate; bake when ready.

How do I know peppers are done?

Insert a knife down the side—if it slides easily, they’re ready; else bake another 5 minutes.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely—wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat from frozen?

Defrost in fridge overnight; reheat in oven or microwave until completely heated.

Can I make these gluten‑free?

Yes—ensure tomato sauce and broth are gluten‑free. Naturally gluten‑free if rice and lentils are used.

Any tips for fluffier filling?

Toast spices and rice briefly in oil before broth—adds aroma and flavor.

Can extra filling be used elsewhere?

Yes! Mix with eggs for breakfast scramble, toss with pasta or salad, or use as taco filling.

Conclusion

This lentil and rice stuffed bell peppers dish delivers hearty, plant-based satisfaction with minimal fuss. Loaded with fiber and versatile enough for variations, it’s perfect for weekly meal prep or a cozy family dinner. With simple storage and reheating steps, it ensures leftovers stay just as delicious. Whether you stick to the classic or explore spice and cheese upgrades, this recipe is sure to become a nutritious go-to.

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