Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe – Healthy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make. Vegetarian.

Grilled stuffed bell peppers are the perfect summer dish—light, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner, a grilling recipe, or a tasty appetizer for your next backyard barbecue, this dish fits the bill. Not only do they taste great, but stuffed bell peppers are also customizable, so you can easily cater to dietary preferences.

In this post, we’ll show you how to prepare stuffed bell peppers on the grill, share some nutritional insights, and offer tips on how to make the recipe even more versatile.

What Makes Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers So Special?

Stuffed bell peppers have long been a favorite comfort food, but grilling them adds a smoky, charred flavor that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of traditional oven-baked stuffed peppers or want to try a healthier, grill-friendly version, this recipe offers the best of both worlds. Grilling the peppers gives them a satisfying, tender crunch while locking in nutrients. Plus, grilling adds a depth of flavor that baking just can’t match.

Ingredients for Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for this healthy stuffed peppers recipe:

• For the Stuffing:
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (or swap for quinoa for a healthier option)
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ¼ cup olive oil (for a healthier fat source)
  • 1 lb. plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or quinoa.
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
  • ½ to ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (add more for extra flavor)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Optional: 2 tbsp pine nuts (for extra crunch and healthy fats)
• For the Peppers:
  • 4 large bell peppers (green, orange, yellow, and red for visual variety)
• For the Sauce:
  • ½ cup pureed stewed tomatoes (or use 6 oz can of tomato juice)

How to Prepare Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half, removing the stem, seeds, and pith. Rinse and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Cutting the peppers in half instead of leaving them whole ensures that they cook evenly on the grill and makes them easier to stuff.

Step 2. Make the Stuffing: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until the onions are translucent, then add the plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or quinoa (make sure these are precooked) and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and pine nuts (if using). Mix well and set aside.

Step 3. Grill the Peppers: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300°F). Place the pepper halves, cut side up, on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly and get a bit of char. Turn the peppers over to prepare for stuffing.

Step 4. Stuff the Peppers: Remove the peppers from the grill temporarily and fill them with the prepared stuffing mixture. Drizzle tomato puree or juice over the top and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar. Return the stuffed peppers to the grill and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

Step 5. Serve and Enjoy: Depending on your preference, serve these grilled stuffed peppers as a hearty entrée (cut in half) or as a light appetizer (cut into quarters).

Tips for Making the Best Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This helps save time on grilling day. Just be sure to let the stuffing come to room temperature before filling the peppers to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
• Grill with a Vegetable Basket: If you have a vegetable grilling basket, use it! It makes it easier to handle the peppers and prevents the rice from falling through the grill grates.

Nutritional Insights:
Grilled stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. They’re packed with vitamins A and C from the peppers, while the filling provides a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, swap the white rice for quinoa, a gluten-free, high-protein alternative.

• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 calories (based on 8 servings)
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 30g (with quinoa, carbs will be slightly higher)
• Fat: 15g (mainly healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts)

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Stuffed Peppers

• Storage: Allow grilled stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for 5-10 minutes.

Meal Pairing Suggestions

Grilled stuffed bell peppers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Grilled vegetables or a roasted vegetable medley
• A side of quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap the Parmesan for cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.

Q: How do I prevent the stuffing from falling out while grilling?
A: Using a vegetable grilling basket or mesh grill pan will help hold the peppers in place while grilling. You can also stuff them carefully to ensure the filling stays intact.

If you enjoyed this grilled stuffed bell peppers recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family on social media!

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