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Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Mediterranean stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean stuffed bell peppers recipe featuring a flavorful blend of rice, fresh vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese. Perfect for a wholesome, fuss-free meal that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 cup (200g) cooked long-grain rice or basmati
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside or chop finely to add to the filling.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and mixture thickens slightly.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed tomato mixture, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in toasted pine nuts if using.
  7. Spoon the filling into each bell pepper cavity, packing gently but not overstuffing. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Spread any leftover filling around the peppers or bake separately.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender but hold their shape and filling is heated through with a slight golden finish.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

If peppers brown too fast but aren’t tender, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Sauté onion and garlic before mixing to build flavor. Choose firm, flat-bottomed peppers to prevent tipping. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to preserve texture. For vegan version, omit feta or use plant-based cheese. Rice can be swapped with quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for gluten-free or different textures.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, easy dinner, healthy meal, vegetarian, quick recipe