Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

These Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are filled to the brim with flavorful rice, beans, tomatoes then covered with heaps of melted cheese. These vegetarian stuffed bell peppers are perfect for a deliciously filling week-night meal.

VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS RECIPE

Thank you to the EZ Tofu Press for sponsoring this post.

Each year, I get a lot of questions surrounding the holidays. Specifically, what vegetarian recipe can I serve at holiday dinner? Whether it is Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas or another holiday. This vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe is a sure-fire win!

There are so many options when it comes to vegetarian recipes to serve at the holidays. My family is always happy to eat Mexican Tater Tot Casserole or Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna. But to be honest, these Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are always a winner!

INGREDIENTS IN VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS

Bell Peppers - I like to use a variety of colors to make a visually interesting dish, any color of bell pepper will work here.

Oil - Use your favorite oil for sauteing the onion.

Onion - Adds a flavor base to the pepper filling

Extra Firm Tofu - we'll crumble this up to add protein and bulk to the dish.

Chili Powder - I love the little kick of heat that this spice gives.

Cumin - Cumin is a warm spice that goes so well with tomatoes.

Black Beans - Use cooked beans or beans from a can, drained and rinsed.

Rice - Cooked rice soaks up all of the delicious flavors.

Tomato Sauce - Tomato sauce adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

Diced Tomatoes - Add bright flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese - This gets all melty and delicious on top of the peppers.

HOW TO MAKE VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS

1. Cut the peppers in half, deseed and wash them. Lay them on a baking tray face down. Roast the peppers as directed in the recipe. Set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add in onions to saute. While onions are cooking, press the tofu in a tofu press for 10-12 minutes, turning the knobs every 2-3 minutes.
3. Once onions are cooked, add in pressed tofu and mash with a fork. Saute.
4. Add in black beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and spices. Stir to combine.
5. Put peppers halves into a baking dish, open side up. Optional: You can lightly spray the baking dish with a spray oil to help prevent sticking. Evenly divide the stuffing mixture into the peppers. 
6. Top with cheese and bake!

HOW LONG DO YOU BAKE STUFFED PEPPERS?

Recipes can vary, but for this recipe you will cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350F for 15 minutes. Basically, everything is already cooked. You are constructing the vegetarian stuffed peppers and then heating them again.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN STUFFED PEPPERS?

The easiest way to turn this stuffed peppers recipe into vegan stuffed peppers is to omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese. Dairy free cheeses can be easily found at many of the big box grocers. You can also omit the cheese and top with smashed avocado once the vegetarian stuffed peppers have finished baking.

I also used tofu in this recipe to make it vegetarian (giving the option for vegan). It is important when you use tofu that you press the tofu.

The EZ Tofu Press   takes the liquid out of your firm or extra firm tofu easily, quickly, and with less mess than using plates and cans. This press utilizes simple mechanics and quality materials to ensure that it’s long-lasting and easy to use.

The plastic is BPA free and the grommets and screws are stainless steel. You can wash the EZ tofu Press by hand or in the dishwasher.Visit their website to learn more about this awesome product, or order yours now at Amazon.com. 

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS FOR STUFFED PEPPERS

• If you consume meat, you can sub out the tofu and insert sauted ground beef.
• You can sub out the cheese for dairy-free cheese of smashed avocado.
• Don't like rice? You can sub in quinoa for the rice.
• Looking for a more low-carb option? You can sub out the rice for cauliflower rice.

HOW TO MAKE STUFFED PEPPERS AHEAD OF TIME

I think one of the best things about this vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe is that you can make it ahead of time. You can prep this recipe, put it in the fridge, then pop it in the over the very next day. 

I have even had luck with freezing my vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe for a later date!

Have you made this recipe? Please leave a comment AND rating below! It helps other readers!

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